Green Tank Pics - Update

[AJ_77]

Did you ever want to kick yourself? Today I was shopping for more of the carbon that I used awhile back, the Fluval stuff that comes in 3 bags, zeo-carb or something. (WARNING! WARNING!)

The only stuff I can find on the shelf, exactly where I found it last time, says "For FreshWater Use Only" and I cannot find my SW stuff anywhere. What gives, it was here before?? The only other is the bulk carton that reads: "Does Not Add Phosphates to Your Water." Uh-ohhh...

Holy cr@p, are you all with me? I used the phosphate-adding carbon/ammonia remover about 6-7 weeks ago, and then had a green water outbreak. That, I think, is how I had elevated phosphate levels until last week, the fuel for the outbreak. This is my theory, d-oh.

Well, I went with Jayson's advice and shut down the lights for 2 days over the weekend after running the Kent phosphate sponge. Then the 25w UV sterilizer was plugged in with a low flow-through (thanks Mitch). Yesterday, the water became noticeably more clear, and I held my breath.

Today looks like this:


LIVESTOCK UPDATE:
The clowns are amazingly active since it's been clearing. And hungry!
The Pipe Organ is flourishing, :D the Xenia is 2/3 there, the Colt looks a little flagged, the "Polyps from Em" are a-OK. Devil's hand, torch, and the colt self-frag bit it, though. Coraline is spreading in hundreds of tiny patches, hairy shrooms are still there, and pods are EVERYwhere. Man, those are prolific bugs - can anyone recommend a natural predator?

For all who offered support and advice, THANK YOU. I think we've turned the corner. For those who may wonder why I'm excited about this picture, check out this thread from July 16th.

I'm running some proper carbon tonight, sheesh. Another 10% water change too. What am I forgetting?? Kind of tired...

Alan ;)