Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am saltwater tank newbie. Got a 90gal. tank with wet/dry system.

At the recommendation of the local fish store, we went with live rock. For 1.5 months that's all we had in the tank. Then introduced 5 fish (3 yellow tangs, 2 false clowns). Recently introduced a scooter blenny and star fish.

They said expect an algae bloom...part of the normal life cycle. Then it should go away.

6 mos. later still have an major algae problem. been thru 2 courses of Red Slime algae. All the rocks have like a "peach fuzz" type algae. clean the glass oon a regular basis. My crushed coral gravel is no longer white...more of a tan/brown.

I'm getting ready to switch back to fresh water!!!! Totally frustrated with this.

Is there any seasoned pros out there that can provide some insight/experience? Could really use it.

Thanks

Do you have a protein skimmer running on your tank? They can help a lot when it comes to algae control.

Have you tried adding an algae eating blenny (aka lawnmower blenny) they can be helpful when it comes to algae control.

Check phoshates and silicates.If phosphate is the problem. Add kent marine phosphate sponge. And for the brown algae. That is a diatom thats body is made of silicates. I would recommend buying an Reverse Osmosis Unit. This is used to purify your tap water.So you dont add silicates through your water changes. Also add phosphate sponge. After a few rounds of phosphate sponge this should take care of it. Also add a few big turbo snails. Those have a massive appetite for multiple types of nuisance algae. I hope this helps you.

I had a huge problem with cyanobacteria too! (red or green slime all over the place). I had to manually sift through the sand with sieve!
I bought a bunch of chaetomorpha (algae that looks like brillo pad) and put it in my refugium and the problem is no more. I guess it out competes the cyanobacteria for nutrients.
good luck!