Red Algae - Cure

[bamagn]

I had a bad case of red algae in my tank. It looked like I had red sand in my tank. I did a search on this website as to ways to clear it up. I didnt find anyone actually saying do this and this will fix it. Well I went to my LPS and asked him. He said us erythromycin. I put some in and in one day the red algae was gone. I just thought I should post this.

 

[beth]

https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/73002/how-to-rid-your-tank-of-red-slime
I hope your tank is FO, otherwise, erythromycin will be a very, very bad idea. And with a FO, it is still a bad idea.

 

[microlady]

Erythromycin would be a horrible idea. This is an antibiotic that is designed to kill bacteria, so it might work since red algae are most likely cyanobacteria. But your beneficial bacteria would be killed as well and your tank can crash due to ammonia and nitrites. Don't do it!!

Heather

 

[emeralcrab]

I have a 150 that has been up for about 2 months, I have it all over, just sucked a bunch out. My LFS said to use maracyn, but you can't when you have live rock. Any other ideas? I did have it in my 55 when I started it up to, but it just went away, I didn't have to do anything. Any ideas out there to help us? :notsure:

 

[hot883]

Originally Posted by EmeralCrab
I have a 150 that has been up for about 2 months, I have it all over, just sucked a bunch out. My LFS said to use maracyn, but you can't when you have live rock. Any other ideas? I did have it in my 55 when I started it up to, but it just went away, I didn't have to do anything. Any ideas out there to help us? :notsure:
I do not like adding chemicals but I had to to get rid of mine and have not had any problems. i have a reef and inverts etc. I used "Chemi-Clean". Followed the instructions, did the water changes etc.

(only as last resort though)

 

[emeralcrab]

Thanks, I will wait and see how it goes before I try chemicals. But I will keep that in mind.

 

[bamagn]

I havent had an problems with my tank since. It might have killed the "good" bacteria, but everything seems to be doing great now. The water is clearer than its ever been. And the coral is doing great. But I will keep that in mind about that killing the bacteria, if it happens again.