Looking for Advice/Inspiration/Ideas

[mcross]

Hi, I'm new to reef central but I wouldn't say that I'm totally new to the hobby. My tank has been running for 2 years now and has seen a lot of changes.

Last year I decided to upgrade my lighting from a single 65w PC to a 150w double ended MH. Things were ok for awhile and then I just had algae everywhere. After switching back to the old PC light things are somewhat under control, but I would like to go back to the stronger light.

Some background info:
29 Gallon Tank
RO/DI water from the pet store.
2 Fish (coris wrasse, and royal gramma) The banggai cardinal is no longer with us.
A few snails, maybe 2-3 turbo snails, at least 4 nassarius, and one cleaner shrimp.
Somewhat deep sand bed, 4inches in some places, but not overall.
And at least 25lbs of live rock if not more.
No sump, no mechanical filtration. I do have an Aqua C remora skimmer though. 2 maxijet 900 powerheads.
Tank Temp stays at 81, pH stays over 8.0.
I really don't like using test kits because I feel that usually I can't alter the results other than by doing water changes; however, I did some tests and the only thing that seemed out of order was 2mgs of phosphate.

Here are some pictures of the horror that is my tank.



Full view of 29 gallon. Yes that is a piece of slate as well as a clay pot and some other plastic cave from my freshwater days.


I would like to save these and perhaps get them green again.


Probably the worst rock in my tank, but since it seems to have some types of unknown to me macro algae growing on it as well I think it could be beneficial.


The only other coral in my tank, it has bits of algae around it as well. I believe that might be a tiny bit of chaeto behind it.

Any ideas or suggestions? Keep in mind I am on a budget. I know theres no simple single solution but I would just like my tank to be great one day.

[anaelitz]

two little fishies phosban reactor...40 bucks

[anaelitz]

heres a link to it http://twolittlefishies.com/tlf_prod...html?lang_id=1
saltycritter has them in stock

[anaelitz]

dr foster and smith has them and the maxijets on sale

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...6&pcatid=11586

should help on the algea

[shawnz28]

If your po4 is that high it is most likely a very large part of the algae problem. PO4 is basically fertilizer for algae.

little something for your reading pleasure
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-09/rhf/index.php

[mcross]

Thanks for the info everyone. I didn't even know about the PhosBan reactor. I think most of those phosphates came in when I had to use tap water for a few top offs. I tried aerating and heating it for a few days but I guess it was no use.

I was thinking of getting one of those polyfilters to remove the phosphate, but for $40 bucks that thing doesnt sound bad at all.

[itZme]

You still need to fill it with phosban or similar media so don't go to the store with $40 thinking it will be enough to solve the problem. The media in the smallest can is $12 and should be good for a month or more on your size tank. It also look like you need a couple more critters that may feast on the green stuff. You can find astrea snails pretty cheap locally. If you can spring for a couple $3 mexican turbos you may see that green fading away. You could also get some relief by adding a few hermits that may work at the algae too.

Combining several of the methods already suggested with the new critters should get your tank looking good again.

Why did you go back to a PC light? That is probably the reason your corals lost color. When you get it going again send me a PM and I will give you some soft corals that will bring some color to your tank and are easy to grow.

Good Luck!