What causes red slime algae ?

[Sanchez2896]

My buddies tank is starting to get it ... What causes it ?

 

[salpet]

new tank, overfeeding, not enough water changes, dirty socks,high phosphate/nitrate

 

[Dan_P]

The consensus is that high nutrient levels trigger red slime or cyanobacteria growth. This is somewhat contradicted by the fact that older setups with high nutrients are not troubled by red slime but new ones always are. So, nutrient level is only part of the story. Until we understand red slime better, reduction of nutrients is a reasonable remediation plan.

Lowering nitrate and phosphate levels is the usual suggested remedy. Also removing organic waste or detritus may help. Lowering soluble organic compounds with skimming and granulated activated carbon is also recommended. All these sources potentially fuel red slime growth.

 

[jadakiss]

+1^^