algae question

[janastasio]

Quick question after reading some of these threads about cyano or some other types of algaes. I have a friend who has a salt tank and he gets this thick red hairy looking algae that grows over every surface in the tank. Apparently when they clean the tank this stuff is so thick he rolls it like carpet when he removes it. Ive seen parts of it when it folds over and it looks fleshy underneath. Any idea what this stuff is? I've never seen anything like it. I know they dont clean their tank very often and I dont think he ever has cleaned his canister filter. He has a Fish only tank. 90 gallons with 3 tangs and a hawk fish. Fish are all in amazing health. He's got a blue hippo tang thats over 12 years old!

 

[feelingfishy]

Its probly just red slime in an majot form his nitrates phos and everything else are probly high. I didnt put commas cause im tired

 

[ledzep fan]

How old is the tank?? I had the same problem with my tank. It is just a phase and it should pass. Check nitrates and phosphates, if high put in some nitrate and phos. remover such as seachem products. Good luck and let us know if it passes

 

[janastasio]

I'll try and get a pic sometime when I'm over there. I took care of their animals last week which is why I noticed this algae again. Weird stuff. Very difficult to describe unless you see it. Their fish got sick at one point and they put these tabs in to cure the fish. These tabs killed the algae, so it went away for awhile, but its back again. The fish dont eat it!

 

[mcbdz]

If the tangs won't eat it, it is cyno. I bet his phos. and nitrates are sky high. Just for fun, next time you go over there get a sample of there water and test it.

 

[janastasio]

I would have to sneak it! I've tried to talk tank stuff with him before (he's my friends husband), I dont think he is the type of person who would take my advise on whats going on in the tank. There was a corner of this stuff flipped over one time and I thought it was a rotting fish! Can Cyano harm your tank or fish? His hippo has very serious head erosion. They dont feed the tangs any greens other than lettuce. Again, type of person I just have to keep my lips shut. Not worth losing a friend over, and the fish seem happy enough!