help with red algae

[ebaybrad]

my nano (with 2 PC atinic, two PC triton 9 watts each) is growing a fair amount of red slime algae. It is also growing coraline. I think maybe i am leaving the lights on too long (12-14 hours)...tanks is jsut about 3 months old with 10 lbs premium live rock, live sand about 1 1/4 inch thick and only 4 hermit crabs to nice size snails, and a few mushrooms....any ideas on the cause>

 

[tazdevil]

Slime algae-num num!! (MY 17mth olds favorite phrase). Some hermits may help with this but I wouldnt expect dramatic help from them. How's your phosphate level? IF that's high, start with a phosphate reducer. Also check for any bad smells from the tank- may indicate the problem. I would lower your lighting level to 8-10 hours max. This can be a long battle, I'm fighting it as well. Another option is to take the LR out and scrub off the slime in a bucket w/tank water (do a 25% water change at same time) or suction it off the rock while doing a water change. Good luck!

 

[Dargason]

I recently had a major battle with red slime. In my case, the solution was to add another powerhead to increase the flow in the tank. Worked great!

 

[freedom75]

I had a problem with this for a long time. This might not be the best way to take care of it but it did work for me. I used fresh water marcyn. I had to turn off my skimmer and keep it off for about a week. I dosed the tank twice and it got completely rid of the problem with-in 4 days. however. I also lost a Candy Coral. I am not sre if it was the cause but it happened at the same time. Mine had gotten so bad I would remove it and 2 hours later my entire sand bed was covered agian. However I also went out and bought a water DI unit so as soon as I did my water changes to get the Marcyn out of the tank I started using DI water , And have not had any further problems. PLease make sure you seek the opions of others before doing this. I am not recommending this but this is the way I got it out of mine

John Wray
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My Tank