Red Algae info please.

[teetee]

My nearly 6 montd old, 135g FO with some live rock, is experiencing an increase in red algae. Is this part of the break-in period, as the brown diatoms were in the earlier stages of the set-up?
I actually like the red algae, but understand that it not necesarily a good thing. My lighting includes 3 strips (2 power glos, & a marine glo) and are on for about 12 hrs a day. I have good circulation/ filtration including a Berlin skimmer. Should I be concerned? TT

 

[tjswanson]

All it is, is a cyanobacteria. I have it in my tank and it doesn't bother me and it won't hurt a thing. I have used FRESHWATER maracyn, believe it or not.... that stuff gets rid of it fast. but you have to unplug the skimmer and only put in a tablet or 2 every other day in the spots where the red slime is. TJ

 

[perps]

Or get some blue legged hermit crabs..

 

[teetee]

Blue legged hermit crabs? I have never seen those. Are they rare?

 

[twoods71]

Blue legged hermits are not rare and I believe this site sells them and they also come with some of there invert packages.
Check out the store link and then go to the invert packages section.

 

[teetee]

Thanks folks, Sammy, what would light in red spectrum be? Are my 2 power glo, & 1 marine glo ok?

 

[bobj]

Cyanobacter is a bacteria that forms green/black discolorations or glistening dark films on rocks. Under low light conditions they can outgrow algae and form thick slimy sheets.
They are distasteful to most grazers and are not usually eaten.
They can produce a cyanotoxin that can be stressful or kill other aquatic life.
You have one of the 4000 species of red algae in your tank and not cyanobacter which is usually classified as a blue-green "algae".