purpleish brownish algae that grows on sides

cmdr

New Member
I can not get rid of this purple brown algae that grows on the sides of the tank. I can scrape it two-three times a week and it still comes back. I use only r/o water and have had the aquarium for over 2 years now. I have a 30 gal long with a clown, 6line wrasse, and a mandrin. I have had the latter 2 for about a week now. This algae, if it sits too long will even develop bubbles in it. How can I get rid of it.
 

twoods71

Active Member
If the algae you are refering to is slimy to the touch and when scraped off after a couple of days it comes off in sheets then it is probably "Red Slime Algae", and is actually not an algae at all but a cyanobacteria.
Some things that cause the cyanobacteria to grow are high phosphates, high nitrates, incorrect lighting, and a high level of dissolved organic matter.
Cyanobacteria like conditions of low light and low current flow. Changing the bulbs if it has been a while and increasing the current flow can help reduce a cyanobacteria problem.
Because cyanobacteria is a bacteria there are anti biotics on the market that will kill the bacteria but it will also kill some of the benificial bacteria and it is always better to find the source of the problem anyways.
Some ways to rid yourself of the pest is to first syphon as much out as you can.
Use only high quality water for top off and water changes. RO water for example.
Use only a high quality salt mix that does not contain phosphates.
Keep the protien skimmer clean if you have one.
Change your bulbs if it has been a while.
And regular water changes. Maybe a few a week to help rid any excess nutrients that may be present.
 

cmdr

New Member
I use r/o water that you get at places that sell drinking water that state that it is r/o water. I drain/siphon the bottom of the crushed coral once a month with about a 20% water change. I have not changed the lights for several months(I have three bulbs) so that may be it.
 
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