red slime algea
- Thread starter djpom1
- Start date
P
pa reef pig
Guest
Is the red slime growth in the direct path of some type of current like a powerhead or something?
P
pa reef pig
Guest
The reason I asked is that I have noticed in my tank that the red slime seems to enjoy a strong current (especially against the glass). Maybe try pointing the powerhead in a different direction for a bit and see if that makes a difference.
Also, can you check your water for phosphates? That may be whats fueling the slime.
Also, can you check your water for phosphates? That may be whats fueling the slime.
jonthefb
Active Member
what size tnak do you have, what kind of circulation, how many fish, how often do you feed, whats your cleaner crew look like, what kind of water are you using for water changes/top off, etc sorry to answer with a ton more questions but need to know stuff to figure this out!
and as pa said, make sure to test for phosphates!
good luck
jon
and as pa said, make sure to test for phosphates!
good luck
jon
ekclark
Member
If it is in one spot, an old bulb that has its spec. fall off could be the problem. I have the stuff, played around with all sorts of natural cures, and finally broke down today and bought some chemicals to kill it. I hope to never see the crap again, even if my friends thought it was "pretty".
tpuffer
Member
I found this on the Internet.
What Makes Red Slime Algae Grow?
 Nutrients that come in the form of nitrates, which are produced from DOCs (Dissolved Organic Compounds).
 DOCs are produced from excess broken down organics, such as from detritus, uneaten foods, and decomposing plant and animal matter.
 Phosphates and silicates are other nutrient sources to take into consideration.
 Providing too much or the wrong spectrum of light. It seems that red slime algae grows best in the 555-564 nm (manometer) wavelength.
Solutions?
We suggest that you don't try to put all of these solutions into action at one time! Start with one solution and see what results you get, and if that one doesn't work, try another one, and so on, until the problem is resolved.
 Adjust or change the type and/or duration of light being provided.
 Red slime algae prefers the low water flow areas in an aquarium. These low flow or calmer water areas are prime spots for it to get started and take hold. Improve aquarium water circulation by adding a powerhead or two, depending on the size of the aquarium, or a wavemaker or surge device.
 Eliminate the algae's food supply by controlling DOCs, nitrates, phosphates and/or silicates. The most effective way to get rid of excess nutrients is to reduce the cause of them. This can be accomplished by cutting back on feedings, siphon up detritus and uneaten foods off the bottom of the tank regularly, and by adding a protein skimmer.
 You can try using an additive to "cure" the problem, such as with Aquarium Instruments Ultralife Red Algae Remover as one example. However, many of these types of treatments appear to only solve the "symptom" (red slime algae) of an underlying problem. Cyanobacteria are a form of bacteria, and many of the additives currently in use are antibiotics, which are medications that can weaken or totally wipe out the biological filter base of an aquarium. Use these types of treatments cautiously!
 Luckily, this algae does not attach well and can be siphoned out of the aquarium to help prevent the spread of this nuisance, while you determine and correct the cause of the problem. If all else fails, you can harvest your red algae and sell it. Certain varieties of red algae have been shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of herpes and also to be a valuable food supplement. However, we wouldn't recommend just eating it right out of your tank, because some varieties of red algae can be very toxic.
Red slime algae is not really all that hard to get rid of. If you determine the actual cause underlying the problem and take of it, your tank will be much healthier, and you can eliminate a great number of challenges in the future.
What Makes Red Slime Algae Grow?
 Nutrients that come in the form of nitrates, which are produced from DOCs (Dissolved Organic Compounds).
 DOCs are produced from excess broken down organics, such as from detritus, uneaten foods, and decomposing plant and animal matter.
 Phosphates and silicates are other nutrient sources to take into consideration.
 Providing too much or the wrong spectrum of light. It seems that red slime algae grows best in the 555-564 nm (manometer) wavelength.
Solutions?
We suggest that you don't try to put all of these solutions into action at one time! Start with one solution and see what results you get, and if that one doesn't work, try another one, and so on, until the problem is resolved.
 Adjust or change the type and/or duration of light being provided.
 Red slime algae prefers the low water flow areas in an aquarium. These low flow or calmer water areas are prime spots for it to get started and take hold. Improve aquarium water circulation by adding a powerhead or two, depending on the size of the aquarium, or a wavemaker or surge device.
 Eliminate the algae's food supply by controlling DOCs, nitrates, phosphates and/or silicates. The most effective way to get rid of excess nutrients is to reduce the cause of them. This can be accomplished by cutting back on feedings, siphon up detritus and uneaten foods off the bottom of the tank regularly, and by adding a protein skimmer.
 You can try using an additive to "cure" the problem, such as with Aquarium Instruments Ultralife Red Algae Remover as one example. However, many of these types of treatments appear to only solve the "symptom" (red slime algae) of an underlying problem. Cyanobacteria are a form of bacteria, and many of the additives currently in use are antibiotics, which are medications that can weaken or totally wipe out the biological filter base of an aquarium. Use these types of treatments cautiously!
 Luckily, this algae does not attach well and can be siphoned out of the aquarium to help prevent the spread of this nuisance, while you determine and correct the cause of the problem. If all else fails, you can harvest your red algae and sell it. Certain varieties of red algae have been shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of herpes and also to be a valuable food supplement. However, we wouldn't recommend just eating it right out of your tank, because some varieties of red algae can be very toxic.
Red slime algae is not really all that hard to get rid of. If you determine the actual cause underlying the problem and take of it, your tank will be much healthier, and you can eliminate a great number of challenges in the future.
tpuffer
Member
Or I guess If you want to read more about it, here is the link.
http://saltaquarium.about.com/librar...11797algae.htm
http://saltaquarium.about.com/librar...11797algae.htm