Hair algae only in frag tank?

[EMUreef]

Sorry for all the questions, but MOST every tank related issue can be resolved through a process of elimination.

Forgot to ask, are you running a skimmer? Yep, even though the systems are linked and you're only having algae issues in one, I want to know if you are running a skimmer?

I think I know what your problem is, but instead of typing a book, I want to try and find something I read on line a year ago which says the exact same thing. Back soon.

yes swc 200, 90g display with a 50b sump, 20b frag tank.
gfo and carbon.

[MUCHO REEF]

If you had algae in both tanks, I'd be inclined to say you have a nutrient export issue, but in your case, I doubt it. I truly believe it is your bulbs as they could very well have exceeded their effectiveness and are now contributing to your issue. I'd replace them ASAP but one at a time. Changing them both at the same time could possibly cause polyp retraction or possible bleaching/color shift.

Also, prepare a well aerated 30 % water change.

Even without a sand bed, you need a clean up screw including snails. These scavengers ( crabs and snails ) are warranted in any system as they clean and scavenge 24/7.

Limit your external feedings which can contribute to excess nutrient build up.

Make sure you're always running a good quality of activated carbon and change it accordingly.

Check your Phosphates and Nitrates with a good quality test kit.

I'm sure you are avoiding tap water as it could be loaded with silicates which will also contribute to algae blooms in aquaria.

Protien skimming is great in exporting high levels of nutrients.

Is your internal current adequately sweeping any ditritus out of your system?

One of the books which I keep on my desk since it was released is, "Algae, A Problem Solver Guide, by Julian Sprung." If I were each of you, I'd pick it up. I have read it at least 20 times and still refer to it when the need arises. It has everything you need to know about algae, problem solving, scavengers, fish etc, you name it, it's a must have for every reefer I think.

I am still trying to find the article to share with the other reefers here with this same issue. I rather post it for all to see as it is an outstanding article which explains at lenght everything I want to say but too lazy right now to type.


Back soon.

Mooch

PS, sorry to go overboard even though I think your issue is limited to your bulbs. Then again, I could be completely wrong.

[MUCHO REEF]

Bingo, found it. It's one of the best and most informative articles for a tank related issue I've read. I hope this helps the other reefers as well with their issues. If not, lets break it down and try to find out the root cause of your algae bloom collectively.

How to Prevent Algae in Aquarium Systems by Daniel S., MarineDepot.com Reef Squad

I wish we had more discussions like this here on CR.

Good luck guys, hope something I said helps

Mucho Reef


PS. My apologies if I broke a rule in posting the above link from another sight.

[EMUreef]

Im gonna go with the bulbs too. I did have a cyano problem in my display but its actually going away daily. had my phospates tested the other day and they were 0. so i have a feeling its not my nutrients.

but when i get money its gonna go towards bulbs and some CUC.

[MyNemesis]

Add another to the list! I have a 120 gallon display tank, 50 gallon sump/refugium and a 25 gallon frag tank. The frag tank is plumbed into the main system. Same type of T5 bulbs, same age, same distance from the water, same distance from the corals. I have about ten large snails in the frag tank to try to stay on top of the algae. Run Rowa Phos and carbon. I have good circulation in the frag tank but it certainly isn't the same as the display tank. I believe the problem is related to the fact that my return pump to the frag tank is located in the return portion of the sump and sends detritus and other stuff a little bit at a time into the frag tank and has a tendancy to build up in the bottom of the frag tank that is bare bottom. When I clean the frag tank, I get a fair amount of stuff out of it. At some point I will be getting a better return pump that I can filter the intake back to the frag tank. Only a theory at this point, but it is my best guess.

[MUCHO REEF]

""Im gonna go with the bulbs too. I did have a cyano problem in my display but its actually going away daily. had my phospates tested the other day and they were 0. so i have a feeling its not my nutrients.

but when i get money its gonna go towards bulbs and some CUC. "



AWESOME

[MizTanks]

It's the plugs! Hands down Get a turbo snail...cleaned my tank up within a week.

[MUCHO REEF]

YOU HAVE PLUGS ???? Guess I should have ask...I agree with Miz, it could very well be those plugs if that is indeed what you have. Could still very well be the lights. One easy test, place a few plugs in your main reef and see what happens.

[larryandlaura]

Man there is some great info here.

[EMUreef]

not plugs cause i haven't made new frags since the tank has been up and running, all the zoa's i have in there have come from my nano, where they had been for many months.

and when i do use plugs i soak them.