Algea!!! I am a n00b and need help badly.

[kenicheema]

I have had a 10 gallon tank for about 4 months now, the algea started about a month ago. Red and green algea all over live rocks, sands, and even on the glass. I clean it off and changed water but it only takes about a week for them to all come back. Here's a picture of it.

http://www.kenicheema.com/images/tn_109-0954_img.jpg (http://www.kenicheema.com/images/109-0954_img.jpg)
Click for larger pics.

Anyone know what's wrong? what should I do?

[Irisservice]

We are going to need more info?
What kind of water are you putting in.
What kind of skimmer?
What kind of filter?
What kind of lights?
How long do the lights stay on for?
Whats in the tank?
Leave the lights off for a couple of days that should help reduce it!!

[kenicheema]

What kind of water are you putting in?
I tried buying water (supposedly water off the pacific coast near Catalina Island) from a local fish store and I tried Deep Ocean Synthetic Sea Salts Permium Reef Formula, both give the same result.

What kind of skimmer?
what's a skimmer? (sorry.. uber n00b here)

What kind of filter?
Penguin 300 with bio wheel

What kind of lights?
Home Depot fluorescent light

How long do the lights stay on for?
24 hours (bad?)

Whats in the tank?
a yellow tail damsel and a percula clown.

[saltyfishboy]

I noticed one thing....you should not have the lights on for 24 hours. try cutting it back to 12 hours. Algae is supported by phosphate and silicate. Most tap water contains phosphate.

When you top off your tank do you use tapwater? I get my freshwater from outside Ralph's supermarkets. They have RO water for 25 cents per gallon. Or even better, buy distilled water from inside the store. Either way is better than tap water.

I think cutting your lighting back to only 12 hours will really help. Let us know how things turn out.


Jay

[Irisservice]

1) A skimmer is a device that remove waste out of a tank this is a must for saltwater. or something simalar

2)Your filter is perfect.

3)Home depot fixure is fine but what kind of bulb is in it?

4)10-12 hours would be ideal purchase a timer from Home depot for around 8

[kenicheema]

Okay,
I did use tapwater, that's error #1. Leaving the light on too long, error #2. And error #3, no skimmer. I will try fixing these problems and give u guys an update.

Thanks.

[Irisservice]

Which light bulb are you using?

[Pineapple House]

As meantioned above, your lighting is on way too long. I would cut back 12-14 hours on your lighting. Most tap waters contain phosphate, which triggers exesive algea growths.

First thing I would do, is do a water changes will aged sea water, until the algea stops growing as much. Next, cut back on your lighting. A skimmer wouldn't be nesesary for such a small tank, and with the proper water changes, you could easily go without it.

I would think about investing some of your money in a small clean up crew, consisting of austrea snails, and turbo snails. Since your tank is stocked to its limit right now, another fish you just add more load to the tank. Keep us updated! It might take a ahile before you start noticing a difference.'

Ph =)

[phistio]

first off WELCOME!!!

glad you found us...

and i agree with the previous posters...light cycles should be kept within a natural range...12 hrs. longer in the summer (13-14hrs) shorter in the winter (10-11hrs.) often most reef creatures are from the south pacifiic, and seasons are opposite from ours...meaning longer lighting hours should be implemented during our winter, their summer...(i right now am increasing the light cycle as winter approaches)

i noticed you've started with a smaller volume of water...not a problem, but requires much more attention, especially as a beggining saltwater aquarist. reason being, smaller volume water peramiters can change over a short period of time...and you have little time to react...10 gallons needs very special attention

also...what kinds of tests are you performing to insure your water is within natural peramiters? are you testing for phosphates?

[HoopsGuru]

In addition to all these other issues that have been very well detailed (I wouldn't use a skimmer either is my only input! :D ), I also wanted to mention that you're tank is still very young. It is not uncommon to have many algae blooms until the tank has matured (6+ months) until they finally subside.....my tank followed this same pattern to a degree.

I think with some patience and tying up the loose ends, your tank will come out ok. Just pay lots of attention to it until you get the hang of it! :wink:

[Anonymous]

I did not see any replies suggesting that your " algae " is cynobacteria
which it is. Follow the recommendations of the replies given you so far.
Start feeding very sparingly for a few weeks increase your water motion,
fill your tank up to stop the splashing. do not under any circumstances use tap water, buy distilled water from your local supermarket. do not use normal output lamps. use instant ocean salt.syphon the algae out each day. DO NOT PANIC! HANG IN THERE. also stop using any and all additives for a few weeks keep coming back we can help you if you are willing to follow instructions. Alas it is not as bad as it seems most of us have gone thru the same thing. :)

[kenicheema]

First of all, I want to say thanks for all your help. I don't know any1 that's into reef and the closest LFS is a 15 mins drive, so this forum is the only place I have for help and you guys have been very helpful.

Okay here are some of the changes I have made:
I did a 10% water change using distilled water this time.
Added a powerhead to increase current.
Lights on from 7pm to 7am.
I'm looking into getting a set PC light and currently doing research on it.

And it works!!! it's been 3 days and there is only a small sign of green algea (isn't this normal?). It's much better than b4.

Thanks guys

[Anonymous]

You are welcome! When you get time please list any and all additives you are using and why you are using them. also please indicate what food items you are adding to the tank, how much and how often. you are on the correct track now. your lighting must be changed from normal output
to hi intensity proper spectrum lamps and then changed on a prescribed
schedule thereafter. read up on the types of lighting, ask questions as often as you need to. After you get the lighting straightend out then relax a little,"ENJOY" NOTHING HAPPENS FAST IN THE OCEANS. :D
PS: FIGURE ON A 20 PERCENT WATER CHANGE ONCE A MONTH.