Algae... New tank or big problem?

[JPeDumont]

Hey everyone, this is one of those questions that must get posted a hundred times, but i've got an algea problem. I've had the tank about 3-4 weeks now and the algea has really exlpoded. Its green hair/grass type algae in the high flow areas and a brownish, beard type in the low flow areas. It's taking over. Is this a new tank thing, or do I need to take steps to stop this? Its starting to spread to the rock with my polyps on it (the only coral i have so far)

My tank is a 10 gal with 2x36 pcs, penguin 550 and rio 90 powerheads, ~18 lbs live rock, 20 lbs live sand; no fish; 4 blue leg crabs, 2 red leg crabs, and astrea snails that just wont stay off their backs (and keep dying cause of it)... I keep the tank at 81 degrees and lights on 12 hours a day.

any help or advice, is appreciated.

Here are some pics...

http://www.jonpauldumont.net/gallery/fish/a1.jpg

http://www.jonpauldumont.net/gallery/fish/a2.jpg

http://www.jonpauldumont.net/gallery/fish/a3.jpg

http://www.jonpauldumont.net/gallery/fish/a4.jpg

Thanks,
Jon-Paul

[JPeDumont]

I think i have a plan, tell me what you think...

-I'm gonna put a filter with media on the tank for a couple days, at least

- Cut down the light to 6 hours for at least a week Â*(my poor polyps)

- Scape as much of the hair and beard algae as I can tomorrow

- Do a water change tues morning and again friday or saturday

I'm also thinking of ordering Jeff's 10 gallon clean up crew... in the very least I need more snails... but i'm worried the addition of 3 blue leg crabs, 3 left handed crabs and 3 scarlett reef hermits to my current 2 red legs and 4 blue leg will be too much...

I'm also thinking of getting some good algae to outcompete... Is this is a good idea? Will it grow out of control also and eventually make it hard for me to have corals? Is it a good idea to buy it?

Thanks,
JPeD

[nitritetest]

I would leave the lights the way they are. I think that's the least of your problems. Ecpecially if you have a brownish algae (diatom) also. Too many nutrients in the water. Could be from die off from the rock, could be from your water supply.

What kind of water are you using? If it's not RO/DI or distilled, it could be contribiting to your problem.

You could add a few more hermits and a variety of snails. If your water is ok, have some patience and the algae growth will slow down while your hermits and snails take care of the problem.

You've only had the tank 3 weeks. It's just maturing.

Getting some macro algae is a good idea. Alone, it probably won't solve your problem right now, but it's a good nutrient exporter when your tank matures, and when the nutrient levels are alot lower, it should compete with the hair algae and keep it at bay.

[bigchili]

I have/had the same problem. My tank is also a 10 gallon. It's just 2 1/2 weeks old.

I added 6 Astrea snails, and they have already cleaned one of the rocks. I am also changing a gallon of water daily, and skimming at night. The algea is under control now and dissappearing fast. Another thing that I did was reduced my temperture during this time. My temp was usually 79-81, but during this period I reduced it to 76.

The hermits that i brought back from Florida with my sand didn't do nothing, but the snails are making quick work of the stuff.

[BamBam]

Since you are in Florida, you might want to try getting either a Queen conch or Fighting conch, they are herbivores and should eat a bunch of the algae. They are also most easily available in Florida (especially given the current situation :( I'd avoid mail order).