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View Full Version : Algae help for SPS tank

mv123
09/17/2011, 04:29 PM
Hi guys,

I have a 28G SPS tank that is about a year old. Corals are growing great, and I have very little algae on the glass or on the sand bed. However, I keep getting this stringy algae that grows on the rocks. Close up picture is below.

This is not a feeding problem, i feed very little and skim a ton. This algae just seems to suck up whatever nutrients are put in the tank better than any others, effectively starving them out. If it were in a place where I could easily harvest it I might not even mind, but unfortunately it is in among a bunch of delicate acropora branches. So it is very hard to remove by hand without harming corals.

I have some blue legs, an emerald crab, and a few assorted snails, but nothing seems to want to eat this stuff. For fish I just have a clown, a six line wrasse, and a bicolor blenny.

Can anyone suggest a type of cleanup crew or fish that would help me out by eating this algae? Keep in mind that this is a 28 tank, so as much as I would like a school of yellow tangs, they wont really fit.

thanks for your help!
mv123
09/17/2011, 04:32 PM
Better picture
milesofreefs
09/17/2011, 04:36 PM
get one turbo snail he'll keep it in check unless its bryopsys (sp?) what has worked for me is raising my mag it thins out and kinda dies and then the snails will eat it. Do you have a refuge?
mv123
09/17/2011, 05:34 PM
thanks, maybe I will try a Turbo. I have stayed away from them in the past because I worry they will break acro branches that are thin. But, if I get a small one perhaps that could be avoided.

I don't have a fuge. The tank is a jbj 28 all in one, with a skimmer in the back compartment.
tkeracer619
09/18/2011, 08:01 AM
are you running any gfo? If not I would consider it.

Generally algae is a feeding or nutrient export problem. If its not a feeding issue then its a nutrient export issue.
zigzag1
09/18/2011, 09:36 AM
are you running any gfo? If not I would consider it.

Generally algae is a feeding or nutrient export problem. If its not a feeding issue then its a nutrient export issue.

+1 GFO for nutrient export. It can be effective without a reactor setup just using it in a media bag in an area with substantial flow. Rinse well in RO water before use. JMO & GL!