Red Slime Algae

[el_Reverde]

I am looking for some insight on how to remove Red Slime Algae. I have tried to clean it up but it just seems to come back in a day or two.

HHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

PPPPPPPPPPLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEE !!!!!

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Water parameters?

 

[Deanos]

Do a search here for "cyanobacteria".

Thread :moved: btw.

 

[el_Reverde]

Parameters are good ,but who knows if the readings are right with that stuff growing like wildfire.

 

[Deanos]

What information did your search result in?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Define good. What are your water parameters? Include Alk Calcuim, magnesium, pH, Phosphates, and anything you dose as well. As well as the basics.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

:google: Results:

http://www.google.com/search?q=cyan...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

 

[el_Reverde]

I will post all my parameters when I get home late, thanks Chiefmcfuz.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

instinctual response is "run carbon, increase flow, and do water changes making sure you use RO water" however there may be an underlying reason that's why I ask for parameters.

 

[scumonkey]

Turn off your lights for 2 or 3 days...the cyno will be gone!
But unless you find the cause it will come right back!!

 

[reefman]

2 typical causes: high nutrients n dead spots

 

[fali]

Use "Ultralife Red Slime Remover". I used this product with good results.

 

[tosiek]

the ultralife remover makes alot of skimmers go bonkers, and without correcting the problem it just comes back. I've used it.

If there is cyano, the tank is either going through its initial algae bloom stages, or there is a nutrient/low flow/Po4 problem. You have to test and see what it is. Do a search.

Also if you have it and correct the problem, ciphon it out and keep ciphoning every few days and it should go away after about a month or two.

 

[lfsmarineguy]

pretty sure you aren't supposed to run your skimmer while you dose the red slime remover (it's an antibiotic and will get skimmed out). This topic has been covered so many times on this forum that a two second search will yield all the information you need. The thing to remember with nuisance algae is that they aren't the problem, they are a symptom. Find the problem and correct it.

 

[dabgood21]

I have a quick fix that never fails but you'll also have get new food for your fish. One of the biggest reasons cyano thrives is because of excess nutrients. Stop feeding flake food and use pellets and frozen instead. You'll never get it again. But for the quick fix, go buy EM Tablets. They are basic pill meds that any aquarium supply store would have. They are used for Fresh water, but trust me it works and it won't harm any corals or inverts. You have a bacterial infection and this will cure it. Use 1 pill for every 50 gallons and in a few days to a week (maybe longer depending how bad you have it) it will be dead and gone. Remove your carbon and turn off you skimmer. When it's gone, do a water change and replace carbon and turn on skimmer

 

[basiab]

I find it hard to believe that any product that kills unwanted bacteria somehow manages to leave your nitrifying bacteria alone. If you have ever taken antibiotics for an infection you know that it messes up your digestive system because it kills all the bacteria you need for digestion. So my guess is that in your tank it does the same.

 

[ellebelle]

You can get rid of cyano by simply increasing your flow and practicing good husbandry skills. If your phosphates are low, there won't be enough food for the cyano to eat. Instead of using a quick fix, better to fix the problem.

 

[BlueSi4]

I have the same problem, and i was told that most likely is due to high phosphates. Also, the increased flow works pretty good too, that way the rock is oxygenated and there's less dead spots for the cyano to work. Also, rather than getting the red slime remover, try a sea hare, apparently those work great, eating algae left and right.

 

[DevIouS]

Sea Hare will NOT eat Cyano...

 

[BlueSi4]

also, don't try to brush it away, because that will just cause it to spread. I first started noticing it on one of my rocks, and i was told to brush it off, but now all my rocks are starting to get it, therefore, i've been told and led to believe that the main reason why it's spreading is because i brush it off.