green algae in reef tanks

[statman]

does it happen? ive never seen any pictures of it, and was curious. my current tank always seems to have a green outbreak when i use my higher wattage lights, and im scared that when i turn it into a salt water tank the same thing will happen.

so, does it occur, and if so, is there an green algae eater i could purchase? like a certain snail or soemthing?

 

[Lotus]

Yes, there are various forms of green algae in saltwater. The key to controlling most of them is by eliminating nitrates and phosphates from your system. Using RO water is the first step, and keeping a low bioload and feeding carefully is the second step. Another method is to grow macroalgae (marine plants) in a refugium to outcompete the microalgae (bad algae).

By the way, in freshwater tanks, if you're getting algae, it's a sign of too many nutrients in a non-planted tank, or an imbalance of nutrients in a planted tank.

 

[statman]

too many nutrients? can you elaborate?

 

[Lotus]

Phosphate and nitrate, most likely.