Algae bloom--what? Me?

[iannozzi]

Just noticed my tank is undergoing a slight algae bloom--both brown and diatoms. I have no idea what causes this --I go a 2-4 cup water change a day--its a twenty nine gallon reef--I have three fish--two cinnimon clowns and a spotted hawk a few xenia some leathers and sps and some polyps--feeding is sporadic --every other day--what is causing this==I do have a problem with maintaining consistent photo periods--perhaps this is causing it? I have noticed that the tank is almow depleted of hermits--this could also be the case--it seems the hawk must be getting to the hermits--pretty fish but pain the ***--

any ideas--has the sand bed run on my tank--its three years old--do I need a refugium--any ideas welcome

[mr pink floyd]

i dont think 4 cups will do much i na day, do you do weekly too?

[iannozzi]

4 cups a day is almost 2 gallons a week--8 gallons a month--almost 30%---I like the daily water changes---maybe I shouls change more water-

[JmLee]

they do say smaller but more frequent water changes are better then less frequent but larger water changes. just try cutting your lights back a little and try a weekly or bi weekly water change regimen.

[jeffbrig]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6877022#post6877022 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JmLee
they do say smaller but more frequent water changes are better then less frequent but larger water changes. just try cutting your lights back a little and try a weekly or bi weekly water change regimen.

Yeah, but 10% once a week is also small and frequent. 4 cups/day doesn't seem like it's worth getting your hands wet.

[JmLee]

yeah i would just try larger weekly water changes instead of 4 cups a day.

[OnTheReef]

What are your water parameters reading?