Better lights, new problems

[CincyGida]

I have a 40 gal reef tank and just went from 40 w to 120 w and within days the amount of new growth was staggering.

Unfortunately, I'm getting a ton of brown and purple as well. Here are some pics:





Is there an additive that I can put into the water or should I do water changes every week? I've never had this much wattage before so i don't know what to do to help keep a cleaner tank.

Thanks!

[NbMaxx13]

I am going through the same problem ... went from pc's to halides and now struggling w/ the algae and experiencing better growth ... So i've been stepping up w/ the water changes and also increased the flow ..... good luck

[steve the plumb]

have you mesured for p.Check what level you are at

[Universal]

I did have that problem when I upgraded to metal halides.

I just removed as much algae as I can , cut down the light times, reduce feeding and do regualr water changes.

Adding some snails will help alittle as well , the more snails the better.

Hope everything gets better , I'm sure it will just takes some time


Good luck

J.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The red/purple growth on the sand is cyanobacteria. The ways to decrease them include reduced nutrients (nitrate and especially phosphate), reduced organics (skimming, carbon, ozone), and more water flow.

These articles may help:

Phosphorus: Algae’s Best Friend
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/iss...pt2002/chem.htm

Nitrate in the Reef Aquarium
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/iss...st2003/chem.htm

Iron Oxide Hydroxide (GFO) Phosphate Binders
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-11/rhf/index.htm

Organic Compounds in the Reef Aquarium
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-10/rhf/index.htm