Anybody know if this is good or bad algae?

[MyNameIsJoe]

Have had this algae on one rock in my tank for about 7months now. Just upgraded my lights and now it seems to be increasing in size. I this a "bad" algae to have in the tank. Personally, I like the color and think it looks cool. Any thoughts?

[Bloodydecks]

Cyano Bacteria/Red Slime algae.



Since you have added your new lights (the spectrum and wavelength are now stronger and brighter), the algae will grow even faster.

This is a nuisance algae...normally caused by elevated nitrate levels, Add to it, slow moving water, intense light, and you get ideal conditions for it to spread. Small spots are no big deal, but it can spread, and get WAY out of control.

If it's only on one piece of rock, remove the rock and clean it off in a bucket of aquarium water using a toothbrush. Discard the water, and replace it with new water.

If small pieces break off, it can grow where it lands. Try not to agitate it in the tank.

There are a many of threads here, and most likely a "sticky" thread on what causes red alage, and how to get rid of it, and how to prevent it.

Pretty common issue. Try and get it in check before it gets worse.

Good luck.

[MyNameIsJoe]

Thank you... I'm gonna take you're advice on removing the rock and cleaning it with my roomates toothbrush. J/K. But I will eliminate it b4 it spreads. Thanks for the headsup.

[leebca]

It's good to remove it, but its not gone from your system. It will get a foothold wherever it will find its needs satisfied.

What prevents its growth is to keep circulation up. This 'algae' doesn't like water movement. Recheck your circulation and eliminate all 'dead spots.' You might even need more circulation.

It will adapt to many different types of lighting, so light-starving it usually don't work very well -- unless you want to run a tank without lighting.

Keep your water quality up and circulation up and it should remain unnoticeable (but always there in case a pump or water quality goes down).

[MyNameIsJoe]

Thanks Lee. I was planning on adding a powerhead or two. Your advice just moved this purchase up in priority.

[pgsasi]

HI,

I had this issue before but this algae was gone when I started using RO water. Why dont you try using the same ?

Cheers / Sashi

[MyNameIsJoe]

I have been and currently do use RO/DI source water from my local walmart for water changes. I think Lee was dead on though with the flow being to low. Since his last post I increase water flow my 250gph and I also cleaned (with a toothbrush out of the DT) the few rocks with the most dark red algae. I haven't noticed any new red algae growing or spreading since. I think the lights also had a big part in the cyano growing, but i'm not willing to lower the lighting. However I am experiencing a bloom in green hair algae all over my DT, ever since I changed out the crushed coral for a live sand bed. The plan is to spend $100 on a decent cllean up crew and let them get to work. BTW, water chemistry is within normal limits... Thanks for the input sashi..

Next purchase: RO/DI system for the house