Hazy Water and Green Algae

[Frank Lawler]

Hopefully someone can help me with these problems. After a 4 day blackout the tank looked perfect, but within a week the water turned hazy again, as though someone had spilled milk in the water. In only a few days the algae returned, which is a green dusting over horizontal surfaces, but suprisingly the glass has remained completely algae-free, much to my surprize.
Tank parameters are: 29 gal, 10 hr photoperiod w/55 watt Brite Kit 4" above water;
N-30, P-2.5, Fe-0.3, macros and traces (plus Excel carbon) dosed every other day;
Pressurized CO2, drop checker green, ph drops .4 during the day, bubble counter
w/mineral oil @ 1 1/2 bubbles/sec
As far as the algae is concerned, my only guess is that it might be due to CO2 fluctuation, as the glass diffuser is directly underneath the HOB filter, the flow of which decreases slightly several days after weekly tank maintenance and gravel vacuuming. However, I have no clue about the hazy water. Unable to find any dead fish that might be rotting away somewhere on the bottom.
Tank is heavily planted, including wisteria, which sucks up nitrate like there's no tomorro. Thanks for any responses.

 

[Tom Barr]

Might borrow/rent buy a cheap UV for a week or so.

 

[Biollante]

In These Tough Times They Just trying To Find Work Where They Can Get It

Hi Frank,

If the haze is whitish, milky, or so, it is a bacterial bloom, probably triggered by the sudden riches induced by the harsh treatment.

The algae are a result of not correcting the underlying problem.

As Tom Barr says, a cheap UV-Sterilizer will clear it quickly. Perhaps even give you a leg up on the algae.

Otherwise, the bacterial bloom should clear in two weeks or so, the algae is another story.

Biollante

 

[Frank Lawler]

Actually, I do happen to have a UV sterilizer, so I'll plug it in right away.