Algal Bloom

Question
QUESTION: Hi, Michael. Within the month I've had my aquarium running, I've had two algal blooms. The algae is a stringy green variety that has grown everywhere. I have no clue as to what is causing this.

I have a 30-gallon aquarium stocked with base rock and live sand. I don't have a filter, but I do have a protein skimmer. Also, lighting the aquarium is 110 watts of 10000K/Deep Blue 03 combo compact fluorescent bulbs. I use RO/DI water.

Could it be the lighting is too strong? Or the lack of a filter? Could my water be too rich in nutrients? I have no idea what to do. This problem is starting to spoil the hobby.

Thank you, Ariel



ANSWER: Hi Ariel

Your tank sounds well set up.  Don't worry about the current algae blooms.  You will continue to have these for the next 6 months or so.  Pretty much every tank goes through these.

Just keep doing bi-weekly water changes and eventually it will come right.

Kind Regards

Michael

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi, Michael. Thank you for the prompt reply. A follow up question: What is the best way to clean the algae off of the aquarium glass? The algae is surprisingly hard to wipe off. Thank you, Ariel

Answer
Hi Ariel

The easiest way I have found is to buy magnet scrapers from your local aquarium/pet store.  One side sits in the tank and the other sits outside.  As you move the one on the outside, the inside one scrapes the algae.

see here:

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage~PageAlias~maintenance_algae_magnet_cl

Kind Regards

Michael