Algae Problems

[danny zubot]

the 20 gallon water changes are definitely a good place to start.

I would agree if you were replacing the water with RO/DI, but changing your water with tap water is only replacing the possible causes of the algae bloom, IE Phosphates. In many places there are high PO4 levels. Try using a PO4 sponge (remover)

Of course every new tank experiences some form of bloom.

[DanG]

One thing that can lead to algae (in addition to what was mentioned above) is low alkalinity.

[Palster]

I am doing a 25 gallon water change tomorrow morning with R/O water (just finished mixing the water) As for circulation I have a pump in the sump moving about 700 gph after elevation loss is factored in and I also have a fairly large power head in the tank as well. The purple slime algae does seem to collect in the areas with the least water movement though. Should I be able to get a PO4 sponge at most aquarium stores?

[seashells]

Reasonably accurate test kits are either Salifert or Hach. RO/DI water is the way to go. An inexpensive RO/DI unit is AquaSafe which can be found on ebay. It's made in North Vancouver. You should test for phosphates. Also the amount and type of food you feed to your fish can put phosphates into the system. Using a phosban reactor and rowaphos works good for the phosphates. Nitrates are probably better reduced by frequent water changes.

Doug

[Palster]

Thanks for the tip on the Aqua Safe R/O units. I managed to find them on Ebay and they are much cheaper than I expected. I plan on ordering one soon.