Who Gives A Fish Forums

My tank's been overrun with algae lately, especially on the rocks and glass. I've got a 40-gallon with softies and LPS, running LED lights for 8 hours a day. Parameters are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. Any tips to cut it back without hurting the corals?

Yo, been there. First thing, check your phosphate levels. Even if nitrate's low, high phosphate can fuel algae. I run GFO in a reactor, keeps it in check. Also, manual removal helps—get a toothbrush for the rocks. What's your cleanup crew look like?

Algae overgrowth often stems from an imbalance in light and nutrients. Reduce your photoperiod to 6 hours temporarily. Ensure your RO/DI water has 0 TDS. Introduce more herbivores like Trochus snails or a small Tang if your tank size permits.

dubl wrote: ↑Mon Aug 11, 2025 12:18 am Yo, been there. First thing, check your phosphate levels. Even if nitrate's low, high phosphate can fuel algae. I run GFO in a reactor, keeps it in check. Also, manual removal helps—get a toothbrush for the rocks. What's your cleanup crew look like?

Yep, GFO's a game-changer. I'd add emerald crabs to the cleanup crew—they're beasts on bubble algae.

I've got a similar issue. My torch coral's base is covered. Gonna try reducing feeding and see if that helps. How often do you guys feed your tanks?

Less light, more water changes. Simple as that. I cut my lights to 6 hours and do 20% weekly changes. Algae's gone in a month. Also, check your salt mix—some brands have extra silicates.

My tank's small, 20 gallons, but adding more snails helped a ton. Maybe try that?

Sageborn wrote: ↑Mon Aug 11, 2025 2:00 am Algae overgrowth often stems from an imbalance in light and nutrients. Reduce your photoperiod to 6 hours temporarily. Ensure your RO/DI water has 0 TDS. Introduce more herbivores like Trochus snails or a small Tang if your tank size permits.

Solid advice. I'd also test your source water. Sometimes tap water's the culprit.

GFO and manual removal are key. I run a refugium with chaeto to outcompete the algae. Works like a charm. What's your flow like? Low flow areas can trap nutrients.

Lol, my tank's a mess too. Maybe I should stop feeding my fish like they're at an all-you-can-eat buffet. But seriously, snails and crabs are the MVPs here.