Algae problems

[mw892017]

Hello everybody. I have a Fluval evo 13.5 which has been running for around 3 months with no corals. Current stock is

2 clowns
1 cleaner shrimp
4 snails

For the past couple of weeks I have an algae problem which is covering rocks and making my sand look horrible. I will attach a photo. Anyone’s help would be much appreciated.

 

[Mechano]

You will need a microscope to determine if they are diatoms Or dinoflagellates.

Its a newer “ish” system so it could be either.

What are your phosphate and nitrates at?

How often are your doing water changes?

Are you dosing anything? (You shouldn’t need to without any corals)

 

[mw892017]

I’m doing weekly water changes around 20% weekly.

Nitrates are 3ppm
Phosphate 0.4

I’m not dosing anything and I don’t plan too as it will only be soft corals. Being a beginner to the hobby I was hoping to rely on weekly water changes

 

[PharmrJohn]

Looks like you're doing fine. You're gonna have an ugly stage of sorts that generally works its own way out. You can try to dose with Microbacter7 to croud out the algae. Your NO3 and PO4 are good. Just don't let them get to zero. There is speculative evidence that suggests a zero value for both can bring on said issue.

 

[mw892017]

Looks like you're doing fine. You're gonna have an ugly stage of sorts that generally works its own way out. You can try to dose with Microbacter7 to croud out the algae. Your NO3 and PO4 are good. Just don't let them get to zero. There is speculative evidence that suggests a zero value for both can bring on said issue.

Thank you for the reply