Red Velvet Stuff

[sdblack314]

I have a 60 gal. tank that has been doing great. I recently upgrade lights (currently have 10k, 50/50, and actinic) and upgraded skimmers. Now I have this red velvet stuff growing mainly on my live rock. I have had red slime algea before and this does not look like that. I turned the lights off for 24 hours to see if it would somewhat go away and when I turned the lights back on it was still there in full force. I am sure that it is probably some type of algea. Has anyone had this before and if so what causes it and how do you get rid of it? Any help will be appreciated.

 

[beth]

Yes, I get it, just a bit here and there. Never worried about it. I actually like it.

 

[eipappas]

What is the difference between red slime algae and this "red velvety" algae? I too have red algae growing all over the place - some on rock but some on gravel... Mine looks slimy - it's very dark and it forms slimy strings that blow with the current in the tank... What is this?

 

[sdblack314]

Mine does not look slimy and it does not have strings coming from it. It looks like someone took a piece of red vevlet material, cut it into pieces and placed it on my rocks. It is pretty though.

 

[fmarini]

same stuff. As you guys all know this read velvety stuff is called cyanobacteria, the common name is slime algae or red slime algae. Its actually a mat of bacteria. Its also an indicator or water quality issues. These stuff thrives on excessive nutrients in your water. Things like excessive nitrates, and phosphates in combination of intense lighting and you get the stuff.
If its real bad you need to bring your water quality back to high quality, and figure out where the nutirent source is coming from, and reduce it.
frank

 

[beth]

I didn't want to use the "cryno" word because people go into such a panic about it, but, unless you have a serious problem with this stuff everywhere or rapidly spreading, I don't see it as a big deal.
As Frank said, if it is spreading all over, then time to evaluate water quality and circulation.