Need help with Algea

[Romulan]

Hi recently I noticed an algea that I have never had before on some of my rocks. It is a Green slimey kind very pretty .. is this algea dangerous? I had a problem with red purple algea in the past but after keeping my aquarium lights (3 36w) off for two days it went away. what should i due about this green slimey algea? it has not spread to my live rock yet just two of my coral type rocks.

 

[danmhippo]

Pic would help. There is fine line between desirable maiden hair algae and dreaded green hair algae.

 

[Romulan]

If it is the bad kind how bad are we talking here? is it going to overtake my aquarium? will it kill my fish? should I call the coast guard?

 

[danmhippo]

Well, if the condition are right and there's obviously lack of suitable nutrient export mechanism employed, Yes, it can get ugly in your tank. Coast Guard is a bit extreme, but a good handy man to help you scrub every rock clean would be a big bonus.

 

[sfloridasalty]

I had a problem with red purple algea ...

Romulan,

Just out of curiousity, can you describe this red purple algae? I'm setting up a seahorse tank for my daughter and I just added some LR. On one of the peices I noticed some red stuff growing. I originally thought it was some type of coraline, but when I explored further I discovered it was very soft, almost slimey. Just wondering.... not sure what it is.

 

[Romulan]

well the red algea was spreading very fast throughout all the tank even on the sand, after visiting this boards I was told to reduce the lights which is what I did and it worked great! Now I will just keep an eye on the green algae

 

[danmhippo]

sfloridasalty, the slimy red coat that covers your LR and sand are cynobacteria. It's not algae. It's normal to have them spreading in tank cycle stage and whenever you have "lots" of excess nutrient such as Nitrate and Phosphate in water. You may want to make partial water changes to dilute the dissolved nutrient in your tank, while you are siphoning water out, siphone the cynobacteria out as well.

 

[sfloridasalty]

sfloridasalty, the slimy red coat that covers your LR and sand are cynobacteria. It's not algae. It's normal to have them spreading in tank cycle stage and whenever you have "lots" of excess nutrient such as Nitrate and Phosphate in water. You may want to make partial water changes to dilute the dissolved nutrient in your tank, while you are siphoning water out, siphone the cynobacteria out as well.

Sweet, thanks for the info. I just did a test and you're right, phosphate and nitrates were higher, definitely will be cured by a water change.

 

[skimmerscum]

Hi
I had a bad case of the red slime but got rid of it with RO/DI water. Investing in a filter was the best thing I did. A water change is gonna just put more bad water in. I got the cheapest Kent Marine Maxxima 24 but it suits my purpose. if you can't get a filter try a phosphate sponge and Chem-clean. I hear it works too.

 

[sfloridasalty]

Hi
I had a bad case of the red slime but got rid of it with RO/DI water. Investing in a filter was the best thing I did. A water change is gonna just put more bad water in. I got the cheapest Kent Marine Maxxima 24 but it suits my purpose. if you can't get a filter try a phosphate sponge and Chem-clean. I hear it works too.

... good point, but it goes without saying that I'm not mixing up the water in my garage from tapwater. :lol: I'm using RO/DI for the saltwater base and for the replacement water. The tank in question here is just a small 20 gal that's just cycled. Never had this stuff cyanobacteria before(at least not that I noticed) in my larger tanks. I use a Value Line Aquarium 4 stage RO DI, they're rather inexpensive ($159) and I've had great luck with mine. Check 'em out: http://www.aquaticreefsystems.com/disco ... smosis.htm