help Green algea taking over reef tank?

[bjftanker]

I just recently set up my 65 gallon reef tank. Now that it has been up and going for almost 2 weeks or so. I am starting to notice green algea all over the tank. I know someone said circulation has alot to do with it. but hell i can tell that there is for sure enough flow in the tank just from the way the fish swim around fighting the current. Is there any madicine i can put in the tank. I added some margarita snails and i noticed some of them died? what the heck? I have a refugium hooked up to this setup. would that have anything to do with it?

 

[chkltcow]

Biggest question..... did you use reverse osmosis water or tap water?

If you used tap water.... you probably have tons of phosphates and silicates, which that algae will use as food. As for what to do about it..... I'd love to tell you, but I'm still fighting that same problem

 

[Navarre]

The algae is growing because its finding food to eat. This is either phosphates or nitrates etc. If you have none of these then your algae cannot grow.

The flow in your tank might look high but is it directed at the places where the algae is growing?

 

[bjftanker]

yes i was using tap water . But i was still adding that addative stuff that takes out the ammonia and stuff out of the water. Is there anything i can add in the water to take care of this problem or take care of the phosphates?

 

[ostrow]

Get an RO/DI. It's you only hope.

 

[chkltcow]

And you're gonna have to load up your filter on Phosban, Rowaphos, or something similar to take out the phosphates that are already in there. Pull the long strands of algae off by hand and get a load of snails to eat the shorter stuff.

 

[ste2k3]

Now that it has been up and going for almost 2 weeks or so

I think that half the problem is that you have stocked far too quickly. I would have waited at least 4 weeks before adding cleaners and a further 2 before fish went in. Have you added any cleaners? a mithrx crab should help clean up the remaining algai once you've sorted the water out. and then some hermits/snails if you don't already have any.

ste