Problem-Rose Colored Algae

[wyoxbow]

I have been involved in reef systems for approx. 8 years. I set up a 90 gallon reef in May. I have fish/live rock/critters/and macro algae. System was doing fine until aprox. a month ago. A rose colored algae has started taking over. I have never seen this form before. I would like to know if anyone has delt with this before and how.
Thanks,
WyoXbow

 

[spsfreak100]

Is this rose colored algae Red Slime? The proper name for Red Slime is Cyano Bacteria. Red Slime is not a true algae, hence Cyano bacteria.
Cyano Bacteria is commonly caused by a high phosphate level, high nutrient level, low oxygen level or high biological level. Elevated phosphates can easily trigger unwanted outbreaks of this bacteria. High nutrient levels in the water also play a role in the Bacteria growth. A low Flow rate also helps the bacteria spread very easily, without being blasted off the rocks and/or substrate. Cyanobacteria also has a very hard time staying alive in oxygen rich water with good flow. Cyano must reach anaerobic levels to live.
The best method of removel is to always use Reverse Osmosis (RO, or possibly RO/DI) water and possibly a phosphate sponge. This will eliminate any harmfull chemicals going into your water column and causing a problem. A phosphate test kit would really come in handy to see if your tank has phosphate.
It would also help to know what kind of lighting you're currently using, and how old that lighting is. Aged lighting could easily cause some Cyano growth to form around your tank.
More information on your tank setup should really help, esspecially your flow rate and tank demensions. Also, when did you start up the tank, when did the cyano bacteria start? Did you do any changes in anything prior to the outbreak?
Do you by any chance have a picture of this algae? Is it slimey? What's the texture?
By the way, welcome to saltwaterfish.com!
Graham

 

[beth]

Yes, it does sound like cyano. Is it hairy and can it be pealed off the surface sand, or where it is growing?
There is a good deal of info here about how to get rid of it if you will do a search on the following:
cyanbacteria
red slime algae
You will also find some pis here that may help you ID what you have.
Welcome to SWF.com!

 

[rane]

I started getting that also and what a battle it was lasted for ever, until I cut back on the feeding and almost over night the slime went away.

 

[wyoxbow]

note: This is not red slime. It is growing on sides of tank, on rocks.
pinkish-rose in color resembles hair algae. Bio ball system-1100 gallons per hour.

 

[wyoxbow]

note: This is not red slime. It is growing on sides of tank, on rocks.
pinkish-rose in color resembles hair algae. Bio ball system-1100 gallons per hour.

 

[aarone]

is it coralline?
Does it come off when you scrape it?

 

[freeride7]

I have the exact same stuff. Looks identical to green hair algae but it is rose in color, doesn't come off......hermit's don't seem to be eating it either...?

 

[wyoxbow]

looking for ideas

 

[gollus]

sorry to resurrect an old post, but I have the same stuff too. It is like hair algae but red, and seems to not grow as long. It does not peel off of the stuff it grows on, and is not slimy, also it doesnt seem to grow on sand, mostly on rocks. The crabs dont seem to eat it, I jsut got a lawn mower blennie and im not sure if he is eating it or not. Do you know of anything that eats this stuff? It doesnt seem to be growing very fast, and maybe not at all, just stays where it was able to grow while I remade my filter system. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[newfishliny]

Originally posted by SPSfreak100
Is this rose colored algae Red Slime? The proper name for Red Slime is Cyano Bacteria. Red Slime is not a true algae, hence Cyano bacteria.
Cyano Bacteria is commonly caused by a high phosphate level, high nutrient level, low oxygen level or high biological level. Elevated phosphates can easily trigger unwanted outbreaks of this bacteria. High nutrient levels in the water also play a role in the Bacteria growth. A low Flow rate also helps the bacteria spread very easily, without being blasted off the rocks and/or substrate. Cyanobacteria also has a very hard time staying alive in oxygen rich water with good flow. Cyano must reach anaerobic levels to live.
The best method of removel is to always use Reverse Osmosis (RO, or possibly RO/DI) water and possibly a phosphate sponge. This will eliminate any harmfull chemicals going into your water column and causing a problem. A phosphate test kit would really come in handy to see if your tank has phosphate.
It would also help to know what kind of lighting you're currently using, and how old that lighting is. Aged lighting could easily cause some Cyano growth to form around your tank.
More information on your tank setup should really help, esspecially your flow rate and tank demensions. Also, when did you start up the tank, when did the cyano bacteria start? Did you do any changes in anything prior to the outbreak?
Do you by any chance have a picture of this algae? Is it slimey? What's the texture?
By the way, welcome to saltwaterfish.com!
Graham
I have been having this problem for the past 2 months , it is red slime grows on rocks clumps on aggronite , walls of tank! tanks been up for a year, it is rose red color , clean up again the next day. tried pads ect nothing works, phos none silicates none corals doing fine . lights new . 90 gal 20 sump 25 gal out side sump, aqua c 120 protein skimmer . only distilled water , test are fine help
new fish
don

 

[gollus]

no this is not a red slime, it is hairy definetly not slimy.

 

[wyoxbow]

What I have in the tank has the same texture as hair algae but not as long and rose in color. It connects to rocks and plant life mainly. Has not invaded sand. I have had this since May with no let up. I have tried water changes, little or no food for fish. With no results. The Hair can be pulled or scrubbed of rocks but almost impossible to to get of plants without damaging them. This is not slime.

 

[randy 12]

Helped a friend get rid of this... if it's the same thing. What they had was red colored and fuzzy, not slime. It grew on the rocks, and crushed coral.
This is what we did and it took about six months. It has started to come back so we need to start again.
1. Turned down lighting. (Not a reef, just fish only)
2. Treated with Chemi-Clean religiously.
3. Used only RO/DI
4. Took rocks out and scrubbed red algae off every time we cleaned - which at times was weekly.
5. No flake - only frozen Formula I, Formula II, and brine.
The worst of the algae grows on the part of the tank that faces the sun room with indoor heated pool.
The other side of the tank shows almost no growth.
Also limited the number of fish to minimal so we wouldn't have to feed as much.
Good luck. This stuff is a pain!

 

[buddyboy]

WyoXbow i was wondering were u stood in regards to the rose colored algae that was nuisance problem some time ago,, If you were able to get rid of it, it would be greatly appreciated any helpful advice.

 

[fish sense]

I have a red colored 'wire algae'. It seems to fit the bill. I have learned to live with it. I have tried many critters to little avail. A collector urchin seemed to be the only critter that consumed the algae. However, he consumed all the coralline algae in his way, as well. Also, he likes to knock things over. He was cool, and I liked him. But, knocking stuff over became more bothersome.
My water is clean and it grows slowly, but persistently. I have learned to prune it, when it gets a little long. You must be careful because it is well attached to the rocks and whatnot. Covering it up with corals helps also .
Good luck!

 

[dburr]

Have you checked your phosphates? Bio-balls are a factory, do you clean them every so often? Mayby half and later the other half.
Can you post tests that you have done? Nitrate, phosphates, PH. Also, alittle more info on your system, refuge, sump, lights, lights changed last, top off water, ect...