Algae i.d., please

[lopeyc]

I first noticed this brownish red algae growing in one of my tanks about six months ago. It was handsome, like a very low, deep-red fuzz, and I didn't think much about it. Now it has covered nearly all the rock in that tank and has spread to another tank.
I'm not sure whether to be concerned. A combination of the red algae and a very soft green algae seem to be intimidating some star polyps, but otherwise it doesn't seem too threatening -- but is it killing off my denitrifing purple stuff, or can they coexist.
Thanks for any help. Sorry the images are fuzzy -- I need a true macro lens, I guess.

 

[lopeyc]

:help:

 

[fishcake]

cyano

 

[lopeyc]

I will seach on that but if you'd be willing to expound a bit more, fishcake, that would be cool!
Thanks

 

[fishcake]

cyanobacteria
Nuiscance
Bad like hair algae!

 

[fishcake]

can you post a clearer picture?

 

[fishcake]

Redirect more waterflow to the area, cut back a bit on lights and also on you feedings.

 

[kimkissyfish]

Go to theTOP of this board (reef tanks) and read the INFORMATIONAL THREAD.... it has ALL the info you could ever need regarding Cyano....;
Kim

 

[fishcake]

or just do the basics like i said

 

[clown52]

What happens when you touch it?
I have some coraline algae about the same color. I think mine isn't cyno because I can rub on it over and over with my finger and none comes off or sticks or anything. Also it stays the same size with the lights off.

 

[lopeyc]

Thanks all. It was actually me who bumped that cool info thread.
I checked my halide timer and made the embarrassing discovery that somewho it had gone from 8 hours to 12 hours.
Not sure if I did that or my son was playing with it or what, but I think that is too much! I put it to 8.
Should I be more aggressive though, and try the lights out for 3 days technique advocated in that thread?
The small patch in my other tank is actually shaded most of the day by a large anemone. I'm going to see if I can get a powerhead to point at it and see if increased waterflow helps.

 

[fishcake]

I would cut back hours first, like you said.