Red algae????

[cproctor]

Hello... I searched on red algae and I apologize if this is a duplicate, but it appears from the threads that there is multiple types of red algae and I want to make sure I'm looking for a cure for the "right one".

I purchased a rock with clove polyps on it and after having it a couple of weeks in the tank, I'm now seeing some red algae appearing where I first set the rock, and of course, also on the clove polyp rock itself.

I'm trying to figure out how to upload a photo, but no luck so far! If there is a "global" solution for all red algae, I'd be interested. My water quality is excellent.

Thanks for the help!

[Bloodydecks]

Hey Proctor,

I would remove the rock with the star polyp, and place it in a bucket of the aquarium water. (discard the water after)( do this when the polyps are not open). Using a SOFT tooth brush, gently brush the red algae off as best you can. (if its not already) Put the star polyp back in a location where there is a strong current hitting it (almost a crushing current, but not a stream, more of a wide flow). Star polyp like strong current, and slime algae doesn't.

Also check your nitrates.

[cproctor]

Hi Bloodydecks,

Thanks for the tip. I can do that. What about the algae that is starting on the gravel?

Chris

[Bloodydecks]

check the nitrate levels....Red Slime is caused, or at least a symptom of elevated Nitrates.

In the mean time, red slime will alos thrive in areas with low water flow, or dead spots in the tank.

A few things I would do..

1. If the Nitrates are, elevated, take action to lower them. Small water changes, chemical filtering, less feeding, better husbandry?
2. Make sure your water flow is a good as you get. Try and eliminate dead spots.
3. Get some small blue leg hermit crabs to work the sand. This will help break up the slime, and keep it from colonizing as easily.
4. Yu can also siphon it up. Run a hose to your sump, secure a filter bag to the end of the hose that is n the sump, and siphon out as much as you. You may loose a little sand, but you can go as long as needed, with out having to do a huge water change.

Other factors that will make it grow faster..warm water, and the the amount/time of light exposure, as well as the age of the lights...or a combination of them ALL. LOL

There are a few chemicals you can use. Chemi Pure, and Slime Away..but I would only use these when all else has failed, or the slime algae is getting out of control and affecting the groth of the corals.

How long has the tank been set up for?

[Steve McKay]

If your water quality is excellent,better water flow is your best bet.How long has your tank been set up?What kind of skimmer do you have?

[shilpaworld]

Red algae is one of the largest phyla of algae, with more than five thousand distinct species. They are almost exclusively multicellular marine algae, and many of the common seaweed varieties people eat are red algae.

[Steve McKay]

Take your PS3 bundle somewhere else shilaworld,this is a fish forum not e-bay.

[cproctor]

Thank you, everyone, for your responses. To answer a few questions that were asked:

1. The tank is a small 15 gal reef cube. I have had it set up for about 6 mos. now.
2. I'm pretty sure that the clove polps rock introduced the algae to my tank.
3. As for the water flow, it's pretty good. I have a power head on the side of the tank as well as the jet coming in from the fiter, but definitely, where the red algae is growing would be probably the deadest spot in the tank (it's right below the power head). Maybe I'll add another one to the other side of the tank blowing in the opposite direction.
4. I checked the Nitrates about a week ago and it was 0, but I'll definitely check it again today.

One question, what it the "optimal" temperature for the tank? I believe right now I have the heater set to 74 degrees.

Thanks for the tips!

[Bloodydecks]

Thank you, everyone, for your responses. To answer a few questions that were asked:

1. The tank is a small 15 gal reef cube. I have had it set up for about 6 mos. now.
2. I'm pretty sure that the clove polps rock introduced the algae to my tank.
3. As for the water flow, it's pretty good. I have a power head on the side of the tank as well as the jet coming in from the fiter, but definitely, where the red algae is growing would be probably the deadest spot in the tank (it's right below the power head). Maybe I'll add another one to the other side of the tank blowing in the opposite direction.
4. I checked the Nitrates about a week ago and it was 0, but I'll definitely check it again today.

One question, what it the "optimal" temperature for the tank? I believe right now I have the heater set to 74 degrees.

Thanks for the tips!

IMO..74 is ideal, but 72-80 is normally fine....I personally don't like to let my tanks get over 80. The key is to have a consistent and steady temperature. For example, if the tank has a chiller, I will set it at 76, and the heater 74. If the tank is in area where the room temp is high, or the tank naturally runs warm due to equipment, i will adjust the chiller so that it doesn't have to work as hard to drop the temp..For example..lets say the normal temp of the tank is 80-82 degrees due to pumps, and lights, i will then set the chiller to 78, and the heater at 76. This way i will never get more then a two degree flux.

I wish I could give you more advice on what is causing the red slime. Your tank is very small, so it won't take much to get out of control. There are so many contributing factors, and all or some can play a role. DO your best to remove it as you see it. Try not to break it up in the tank. The pieces will grow where it lands. Try and adjust your powerheads so they will breeze across the sand. Also, add the blue legs hermits. they will work the sand well and you could toss in few red leg hermits to work the rock.

[cproctor]

Thank you, Bloodydecks. I appreciate all the advice. You're right, the tank is really small and it will get out of control pretty quick. That's why I want to get on it as soon as possible.

Thanks again

[gregony]

Take your PS3 bundle somewhere else shilaworld,this is a fish forum not e-bay

.

Way to go Steve!

[Steve McKay]

cproctor,what kind of skimmer do you have?What kind of filter system do you have?