big skimmer yet lots of algae

[PurpleAardvark]

Sorry bobby I would have to disagree on this one. What do you have going on for water flow? How often do you do water changes? Usally those are the top two for brown algea or bacteria which is what it is. post back and I will give you some real easy advise to kill it fast.

[lReef lKeeper]

you dont think 14 hours a day is to long for 400w MH's to be on ??

[segraves1]

Well the tank has two closed loop 850GPH pumps (rated on 3/4" pipe but running through 1-1/4"), and another 850GPH on the sump system.

The the sump system is probubly only getting half it's flow as best due to having to push through the chiller but I plan to redo this (split the chiller off to it's own pump).

I have some dead spots but they don't seem to be the problem areas. I'm getting hair growth even directly in front of the outlets of the closed loop (and these area are probubly equal to a MaxiJet 600 or more)

I did one massive water change about a month ago but really, that is when the hair algae started to really take off.

[lReef lKeeper]

with the flow you have, i stil think it is a lighting issue. i am interested in what Don has to say though.

[PurpleAardvark]

Due to the lights being phased(not both on for 14 hours) I would say the dead spots are more of an issue. i would try redurrecting your water flow to help kill the "dead spots". 90% of the time this is were the problems start. The bacteria staarts and feeds there and then spreads to random spots in the tank. To solve this problem is simple after you redirect your water flow due a water change sipion out as much of the algea as you can. Only due 25% water change. Next pick up some chemi clean. Falow the directions except one part due 2 treatments with out doing a water change in between. after the two treatments due a 25% water change, wait 5 days and due it again. I would also say step up you water change rutine a little to maybe 10% weekly or 25% bi weekly. Be sure also to replace your pc's every 6 months. They have a tendance to shift to a red specturm after that amout of time. you may not see it with your eyes but you rlive rock and corals can. Give this a shot and see if it helps. it has worked for 95% of my customers. The 5% belong on the short bus (trust me if you met them you would understand that.).

[lReef lKeeper]

but from i got from the posts ... all the lights are on for 12-14 hours per day !! thats why i was thinking it is a lighting issue. we were talking in an IM and he said his pc's are on for 12 or so hours AND the halides were on just as long, and all at the same time, from what i understand.
BTW ... i am tring to talk with you through Yahoo IM.

[segraves1]

chemi clean? what's that do? I'm really worried about adding chemicals to my tank since I have heard so many stories about them wiping out peoples inverts and corals.

the lights were on a good 12-13hours (both on)....one phased in 30mins before the other (ex: on 7AM then on 7:30AM) then off 30mins before the other (ex: off 8:30PM then off 9PM)....I didn't know you could have too much photo period?

[lReef lKeeper]

chemi-clean is an algea killer. it wipes out the "bad" algeas in the tank. i have added it with no adverse effects of any kind. i would recommend it but i think it is a band aid for the problem. we really need to find the source of the algea and repair that ALSO !!

[segraves1]

i would recommend it but i think it is a band aid for the problem. we really need to find the source of the algea and repair that ALSO !!

that's kind of my feeling.....I would like to find what is CAUSING the problem and fix that....

[lReef lKeeper]

ok, we will talk more tomarrow. i have to work early in the morning. we could probably start with the lights and go from there. lets see what others have to say about it too.