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Fluidised Sand Bed Filter & Algae Bloom

2K views 2 replies 2 participants last post by  rjordan390 
#1 ·
Hello,
I have read many messages regarding algae blooms and none of them can actually name the source except for it seems to happen to new setups. Those who try to help are appreciated but I want to go a bit deeper into this problem. When I first research the equipement needed for my 75 gallon freshwater setup, I took a look at the "Fluidised Sand Bed Filters" and thought this may be a good idea and to not depend on my Seachem Flourite Gravel to be the main biological filter.
I am beginning to think this may be a mistake.
I believe there is a conflict between the algae in the sand filter and the algae in the flourite gravel.

The conflict I believe is causing the algae bloom to continue after 4 weeks. The algae bloom gets worse after a water change. So I am thinking I should try removing the Fluidised sand filter and allow my gravel to be the main bio-filter. Has anyone use a fluidised sand filterand suspected there may be a conflict?
I once had a marine reef setup for 10 years and when first set up, an algae bloom only lasted 7 to 10 days.
 
#2 ·
Is there a way to get a picture of the algae bloom? It sounds like a diatom issue and that is typically from silicates. Usually they go away after the source has dried up, but if you are changing the water and it persists, you might have to ask your water company for details on the silicate contents of the water.

What sand did you use?
 
#3 ·
The fluidized sand filter came with silica sand. I can remove this sand and replace it with oolitic type which I believe is a better product to use.
Today, I added Seachems clarity product to remove the cloudiness. Three hours after application, the water was clear and then I cleaned my filters as per instructions. I'll wait and see if it returns.
 
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