Red Algae?

[vt rules]

I've got a few patches of red/purple crusty looking algae that has appeared on my sand bed recently. What is it and what can I do about it?
I think my CUC was turning the sand over pretty good but my hermits keep pummeling my snails so there are less of them to keep up with it.
The tank is only about 2 months old, I don't know if that would have anything to do with it.
Thanks!

 

[kstater]

i just used the Boyd Chemi-Clean Red Slime algae remover and it worked great my tank is crystal clear and my corals and fish are fine.

 

[reefnut]

DON'T use chemicals yet... or at all if you don't have to.
First, is it crusty or slimy? Big difference in what need to happen.

 

[vt rules]

Originally Posted by ReefNut
DON'T use chemicals yet... or at all if you don't have to.
First, is it crusty or slimy? Big difference in what need to happen.

It is crusty and red/purple in color. I moved a little around with a pair of tongs last nights and it moved in pstiff atches and seemed to be easy to stir into the sandbed. I was not sure if this was okay to do so I left it for the time being. What to do?

 

[anonome]

Vacuum as much of it as you can, or scrap it off the sand with a net. Do not stir it. It will only start someplace else, but with a vengence this time. Unfortunately, it is mostly caused by new tank syndrome or excess nutrients. Silicate in the sand is a big one. Once the tank is matured and good husbandry you shouldn't have this problem. Don't use any chemicals. Too many out there are too quick to get the "fast" remedy. Only red slime is controllable easily without any chemicals. Bump up your protein skimmer a notch to take out excess nitrates, phosphates, silicate etc. Also add a powerhead or two. Water movement helps. Try these things first before dumping in chemicals. They say they are reef safe, are they really? Does everyone count all of there snails and hermits before putting these chemicals in? I don't really want to get on a soap box here. Just trust me. I have been there and done that.

 

[vt rules]

Originally Posted by Anonome
Bump up your protein skimmer a notch to take out excess nitrates, phosphates, silicate etc.

Thanks for all the good advice. A couple of things, I've got a AquaC Remora protein skimmer, how do I bump it up? Also, would an increase in my snails help out?

 

[anonome]

Originally Posted by vt rules
Thanks for all the good advice. A couple of things, I've got a AquaC Remora protein skimmer, how do I bump it up? Also, would an increase in my snails help out?
I have the AquaC Remora Pro---Awesome skimmer-- Raise the tower just slightly. I have it at about one inch showing above the rubber ring. It will do you wonders on skimming. I went through the same thing when I set my tank up--let the skimmer do the work.

 

[mrdc]

My tank is 8 months new and I am starting to have my first problem with red algae. I think mine is due to overfeeding so I am cutting back some. My phosphates red close to 0 but lately I am having trouble getting my nitrates down. I have been doing a water change each week but the trates are staying up. I replaced my de-nitrate bags lasty night so I hope that helps.
I also use the Remora Pro and it sucks out some nasty stuff.

 

[reefnut]

Sense it's crusty I'm assuming coralline algae is going on the sand bed?? If this is the case then more sand stirrers are needed.
I would never vacuum your sand... doing so will suck out all the things that makes live sand live.

 

[vt rules]

Originally Posted by ReefNut
Sense it's crusty I'm assuming coralline algae is going on the sand bed?? If this is the case then more sand stirrers are needed.
I would never vacuum your sand... doing so will suck out all the things that makes live sand live.

It does look like coraline and is spreading pretty fast. What would you suggest for sand stirrers? More snails?

 

[vt rules]

Originally Posted by vt rules
It does look like coraline and is spreading pretty fast. What would you suggest for sand stirrers? More snails?

Also, can I just stir it into the sand myself? I have approx a 2 inch sand bed.

 

[reefnut]

Originally Posted by vt rules
It does look like coraline and is spreading pretty fast. What would you suggest for sand stirrers? More snails?
Snails, a conch, more hermits...