Tank issues

kevin_e · 02/11/2017, 03:15 PM

So I'm battling extreme coral paleness, cloudy water, STN and algae issues.

I have some sort of green hair algae and possibly even a green Cyano (these are also pale) and have been for months. My Hanna ULR reads 0.003 ppm phosphate (yes, 0.003).

The cloudy water started when I began running the GFO a few weeks ago, as did my STN, so I think that those issues are likely from GFO.

The paleness I can't grasp. This tank has been pale since April. It thought it was low lighting, maybe nutrients, but I fixed both and it appears to have just gotten worse.

Flow is with 2 MP10s in a 50 cube. I have a skimmer that pulls out black juice.

I have an 8 bulb t5 which may be providing too much light now. PAR was 300-400 for most coral when I adjusted it lower months ago.

Right now though, my main concern is algae. Any pointers and IDs on how to cure this?

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Cliving1 · 02/11/2017, 07:00 PM

Not an expert by any means, but that looks bacterial to me. You say this has been months, were there any changes to your regular schedule around that time? What size tank? Other parameters?

MrNurse · 02/12/2017, 03:51 PM

Lookup chrystophytes. Looks sort of like that to me...

tkeracer619 · 02/12/2017, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrNurse

Lookup chrystophytes. Looks sort of like that to me...

Yeah, that is what I was thinking too. I'd look for silicates in the RODI. What kind of RODI are you using and are the filters/media fresh?

I wouldn't be running GFO if you are at .003 po4. What are your nitrates? Feeding regime?

Can you give more details on your complete setup?

billdogg · 02/12/2017, 05:07 PM

I'd be interested in know what Calcium is reading - some of the literature would indicate that it (chrystophytes) prefers low Ca.

Short term, however, I'd pull each and every rock and give them a good scrub down in old tank water - and you'll have plenty - I'd also do about a 50% water change at the same time.

MrNurse · 02/12/2017, 05:24 PM

If they are chrystophytes, I've heard that Algaefix Marine has helped cut it back. Obviously not a good long term solution but it has at least worked in the short term.

kevin_e · 02/13/2017, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

Yeah, that is what I was thinking too. I'd look for silicates in the RODI. What kind of RODI are you using and are the filters/media fresh?

I wouldn't be running GFO if you are at .003 po4. What are your nitrates? Feeding regime?

Can you give more details on your complete setup?

I started running the GFO a few weeks ago. I'm not sure what the readings were when I started running it, but my thought was that it was high if I'm having algae.

I use a 4 stage ridiculous. My Disolved solids post DI is 0.

I'm not sure what my nitrates are, tbh. What's a quality test kit?

I feed once every two days. It's pretty inconsistent though.

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kevin_e · 02/13/2017, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billdogg

I'd be interested in know what Calcium is reading - some of the literature would indicate that it (chrystophytes) prefers low Ca.

Short term, however, I'd pull each and every rock and give them a good scrub down in old tank water - and you'll have plenty - I'd also do about a 50% water change at the same time.

I'll test my calcium tonight.

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kevin_e · 02/13/2017, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrNurse

If they are chrystophytes, I've heard that Algaefix Marine has helped cut it back. Obviously not a good long term solution but it has at least worked in the short term.

Is it reef safe? Obviously that would be a good starting point. But I also need to find the source too.

And yes, I do believe that chrystophytes is the correct ID.

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MrNurse · 02/13/2017, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin_e

Is it reef safe? Obviously that would be a good starting point. But I also need to find the source too.

And yes, I do believe that chrystophytes is the correct ID.

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Yes the marine version is reef safe.

tkeracer619 · 02/13/2017, 11:38 PM

I use salifert for nitrates, alk, ca, mag, and ammonia. Hanna ulr736 for phosphates.

You could still be getting silicates through the RODI even with 0tds. While excess phosphates definitely contribute to algae issues there is often something else going on. May consider getting a di cart that specifically targets silicates.

Mark9 · 02/14/2017, 05:20 AM

Those corals don't look pale, they look dead.

kevin_e · 02/14/2017, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark9

Those corals don't look pale, they look dead.

Not at all. They all have color and polyps.

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kevin_e · 02/14/2017, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrNurse

Yes the marine version is reef safe.

Thx. Should be here tomorrow.

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kevin_e · 02/14/2017, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

I use salifert for nitrates, alk, ca, mag, and ammonia. Hanna ulr736 for phosphates.

You could still be getting silicates through the RODI even with 0tds. While excess phosphates definitely contribute to algae issues there is often something else going on. May consider getting a di cart that specifically targets silicates.

So silicates and nitrates are the biggest contributors to chrystophytes?

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JOHN NIAZI · 02/14/2017, 11:12 AM

Your best option to start over again. My philosophy is if I can't test for something I will not use. For a successful reef, all you need is good water chemistry (ALK/CAL/MG), decent skimming, good flow, good lighting.

Looking at your pics above, corals are bleached/dead so fresh start will be the least painful way to go.

JOHN NIAZI · 02/14/2017, 11:14 AM

.....

kevin_e · 02/15/2017, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOHN NIAZI

Your best option to start over again. My philosophy is if I can't test for something I will not use. For a successful reef, all you need is good water chemistry (ALK/CAL/MG), decent skimming, good flow, good lighting.

Looking at your pics above, corals are bleached/dead so fresh start will be the least painful way to go.

They aren't dead/bleached. Every coral in the tank has full polyp extension and faint color. They are pale. I've been in caring for SPS for 10 years, I know what I'm looking at.

I too have a similar philosophy, unless something is wrong. I can't test for Sentinel, but I know it is e effective against red bugs.

Plus, if your suggestion is to start over, then there is no harm in trying an algaecide. Starting over is more of a last case resort, that still may not solve my issue. It too may be temporary if nothing changes with my system (I.e. silicates in RODI).

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MrNurse · 02/15/2017, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOHN NIAZI

Your best option to start over again. My philosophy is if I can't test for something I will not use. For a successful reef, all you need is good water chemistry (ALK/CAL/MG), decent skimming, good flow, good lighting.

Looking at your pics above, corals are bleached/dead so fresh start will be the least painful way to go.

Why would he have to start over? Seems quite excessive given that chrystophytes aren't necessarily a death sentence for a tank...they've definitely been eradicated before.

kevin_e · 02/15/2017, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrNurse

Why would he have to start over? Seems quite excessive given that chrystophytes aren't necessarily a death sentence for a tank...they've definitely been eradicated before.

Would you suggest a "silicates buster"? Or how could I go about testing for silicates in my RODI first?

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jda · 02/15/2017, 09:21 AM

Al Oxide will soak up silicates.

kevin_e · 02/28/2017, 08:36 AM

The alhaefix seems to be doing the trick. A majority of the algae has become brown and easily runs off the rock. I'm seeing large dieback with no new growth. Next step is figuring out the source of my issue. Nutrients are low and coral are pale, but fairly healthy despite paleness.

Is the silicate buster rodi filter worth a shot? I can't imagine where else silicates are coming from.

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MrNurse · 02/28/2017, 08:52 AM

I can't see why it would hurt.

Do you have anything in your tank that absorbs silicates? With all the dieback, I'd have some sort of silicate removal media to absorb any further release from within your tank (since the chrystophytes aren't doing it anymore).

kevin_e · 02/28/2017, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrNurse

I can't see why it would hurt.

Do you have anything in your tank that absorbs silicates? With all the dieback, I'd have some sort of silicate removal media to absorb any further release from within your tank (since the chrystophytes aren't doing it anymore).

I have BRS GFO running. I know Phosban is supposed to remove silicates. Does the BRS GFO do the same?

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MrNurse · 02/28/2017, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin_e

I have BRS GFO running. I know Phosban is supposed to remove silicates. Does the BRS GFO do the same?

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Good question. I have phosban in my tank but perhaps someone with more GFO experience can chime in.

02/11/2017, 03:15 PM	#1
kevin_e Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,083	Tank issues So I'm battling extreme coral paleness, cloudy water, STN and algae issues. I have some sort of green hair algae and possibly even a green Cyano (these are also pale) and have been for months. My Hanna ULR reads 0.003 ppm phosphate (yes, 0.003). The cloudy water started when I began running the GFO a few weeks ago, as did my STN, so I think that those issues are likely from GFO. The paleness I can't grasp. This tank has been pale since April. It thought it was low lighting, maybe nutrients, but I fixed both and it appears to have just gotten worse. Flow is with 2 MP10s in a 50 cube. I have a skimmer that pulls out black juice. I have an 8 bulb t5 which may be providing too much light now. PAR was 300-400 for most coral when I adjusted it lower months ago. Right now though, my main concern is algae. Any pointers and IDs on how to cure this? Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

02/12/2017, 03:51 PM	#3
MrNurse Jedi Master Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: USA Posts: 129	Lookup chrystophytes. Looks sort of like that to me... __________________ Current Tank: SPS dominated 150g DT w/ 55g sump, 10g plumbed refugium. Euphotica LEDs, DC return pump, Reef Octopus skimmer, Carbon/GFO reactor and an external dual chamber calcium reactor

02/12/2017, 05:07 PM	#5
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	I'd be interested in know what Calcium is reading - some of the literature would indicate that it (chrystophytes) prefers low Ca. Short term, however, I'd pull each and every rock and give them a good scrub down in old tank water - and you'll have plenty - I'd also do about a 50% water change at the same time. __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

02/12/2017, 05:24 PM	#6
MrNurse Jedi Master Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: USA Posts: 129	If they are chrystophytes, I've heard that Algaefix Marine has helped cut it back. Obviously not a good long term solution but it has at least worked in the short term. __________________ Current Tank: SPS dominated 150g DT w/ 55g sump, 10g plumbed refugium. Euphotica LEDs, DC return pump, Reef Octopus skimmer, Carbon/GFO reactor and an external dual chamber calcium reactor

02/13/2017, 11:38 PM	#11
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	I use salifert for nitrates, alk, ca, mag, and ammonia. Hanna ulr736 for phosphates. You could still be getting silicates through the RODI even with 0tds. While excess phosphates definitely contribute to algae issues there is often something else going on. May consider getting a di cart that specifically targets silicates. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

02/11/2017, 07:00 PM	#2
Cliving1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 1,923	Not an expert by any means, but that looks bacterial to me. You say this has been months, were there any changes to your regular schedule around that time? What size tank? Other parameters?

02/14/2017, 05:20 AM	#12
Mark9 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Atlanta Posts: 2,497	Those corals don't look pale, they look dead.

02/14/2017, 11:12 AM	#16
JOHN NIAZI Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: HOUSTON, TX Posts: 3	Your best option to start over again. My philosophy is if I can't test for something I will not use. For a successful reef, all you need is good water chemistry (ALK/CAL/MG), decent skimming, good flow, good lighting. Looking at your pics above, corals are bleached/dead so fresh start will be the least painful way to go.

02/14/2017, 11:14 AM	#17
JOHN NIAZI Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: HOUSTON, TX Posts: 3	.....

02/15/2017, 09:21 AM	#21
jda Dogmatic Dinosaur Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 6,256	Al Oxide will soak up silicates.

02/28/2017, 08:36 AM	#22
kevin_e Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,083	The alhaefix seems to be doing the trick. A majority of the algae has become brown and easily runs off the rock. I'm seeing large dieback with no new growth. Next step is figuring out the source of my issue. Nutrients are low and coral are pale, but fairly healthy despite paleness. Is the silicate buster rodi filter worth a shot? I can't imagine where else silicates are coming from. Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

02/28/2017, 08:52 AM	#23
MrNurse Jedi Master Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: USA Posts: 129	I can't see why it would hurt. Do you have anything in your tank that absorbs silicates? With all the dieback, I'd have some sort of silicate removal media to absorb any further release from within your tank (since the chrystophytes aren't doing it anymore). __________________ Current Tank: SPS dominated 150g DT w/ 55g sump, 10g plumbed refugium. Euphotica LEDs, DC return pump, Reef Octopus skimmer, Carbon/GFO reactor and an external dual chamber calcium reactor