BACTERIA BLOOM???

[danimal1211]

I have Zoas, Xenia, acan, palys, and a trumpet.

It’s not likely with a tank as young as yours to have enough calcium demand yet to warrant dosing 3 part. Water changes should suffice this early on. Are you testing for calcium and alkalinity?

 

[Dan_P]

usually I use premixed water for water changes, top offs with distilled. I used API phosphate kit. I’m also a high school student and keep my light off and shades closed. My school has a marine lab and the window shades aren’t usually closed, yet the nano tanks there are crystal clear. I did do a large cleaning in the tank after I lost a few sexy shrimp and shook up the sand quite a bit. I think that may have been the original source because this never happened until last week.

If the marine lab has a microscope you van use, take a look at the water and see what the heck is growing in it.

 

[Dmmz]

Welcome to R2R

 

[Sophie"s mom]

I have been experiencing a wild bacteria bloom in my 3.4 nano. I’ve done 25% water changes and all. Even did a 75% the other day and it just gets worse.. phosphate is 0.1 ammonia: 0 nitrite: 0 nitrate:5 I’ve cut down extremely on food to almost starving my CUC and fish. I’ve kept my pump pointed at surface for oxygen exchange so fish don’t suffocate. Someone got ideas for a fix? I’ve black out the tank for over a week, no food, wtfff

Please don't starve your tank inhabitants. As another suggested, have you tried a UV sterilizer? They are very good at getting blooms under control.

 

[Manpeckz]

Welcome!

I’d shelf the three part for a while. If you can’t test for it, probably not best to add it.

Just about anything we add pollutes clean water.

 

[Gman83]

Welcome!

 

[zach_jb]

Welcome!

I’d shelf the three part for a while. If you can’t test for it, probably not best to add it.

Just about anything we add pollutes clean water.

I mean, I can test for it. I’ve got Ca tests and the whole saltwater API test kits. I’ve tested weekly and all is well.. except this dang bloom.

 

[zach_jb]

It’s not likely with a tank as young as yours to have enough calcium demand yet to warrant dosing 3 part. Water changes should suffice this early on. Are you testing for calcium and alkalinity?

Yes, Calcium was 400 and alk was 8, pH was 8.6, a little worried abt pH swing but worst case, a dose of Sodium carbonate wouldn’t hurt

 

[zach_jb]

Please don't starve your tank inhabitants. As another suggested, have you tried a UV sterilizer? They are very good at getting blooms under control.

Not literally starving them haha, just directly feed my blue damsel and that’s it. CUC scavenges whenever they feel and I don’t watch to make sure my watchman goby eats because he’s been doing fine

 

[zach_jb]

If the marine lab has a microscope you van use, take a look at the water and see what the heck is growing in it.

If the marine lab has a microscope you van use, take a look at the water and see what the heck is growing in it.

This is smart, I have one of my own I just don’t know if it’s powerful enough, regardless I have made a huge water change and it looks 100x better.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

 

[Sophie"s mom]

Not literally starving them haha, just directly feed my blue damsel and that’s it. CUC scavenges whenever they feel and I don’t watch to make sure my watchman goby eats because he’s been doing fine

Yeah, I didn't think that was literal, but holding way back on feeding is not a great answer either. You will get it figured out. You are in the right place with this forum, for sure.

 

[Just John]

For you size tank I think this would be a better up sterilizer. What corals do you have in your tank that you are dosing a 3 part?

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/green-killing-machine-internal-uv-sterilizer-with-power-head

Just a note OP: when you look at the size, this is too tall for your tank, but don't just rule it out. It can be installed sideways.

 

[revhtree]

Welcome to your new home for saltwater reef aquarium resources and fun! Welcome to the family!

 

[DenverSaltyFarm]