Slime Alge

[bunn]

I have a 55 gallon everthing has been going well been set up for about 5 months. Starting to get the corraline algae. But now I am getting the green slime algae its all over my substrate. Have 2 power heads in there and 3 Tubo snails 1 sally 1 blue legged crab. Does any one know how to get rid of this stuff?

 

[rhomer]

This could be indicitive of another problem, such as, not enough flow in the tank that leave dead spots in the tank. If where the slime alge is growing is where there is no flow then try readjusting the power heads, or add another power head. Rule of thumb is that you want to turn over your tank 10 times per hour.
This could also be a result of overfeeding, too much light or that the bulbs are producing the wrong spectrum of light (meaning they are old and in need of replacement).
These are easy corrections. You could try running some carbon in your system for a while this might help clean up the excess nutrients.
There also additives that work such as Chemi-clean this comes in a small container with a really small spoon. You add a couple of scoops, and this is supposed to clear slime bacteria up.
Remeber though that some additives are antibacterial, and they don't care which bacteria they kill. Aerobic bacteria is good.

 

[clarkiiboi]

bunn, I am fighting the same problem right now. From what I learned here by asking, it could be the phosphates (in my case it is this). Test your water before adding for this and see if thats the problem. What kind of water are you using, if its tap I'm willing to bet the phosphates are in it. HTH

 

[wamp]

Very wise words from the man 2 posts up.
You my friend have stumbled upon one of the reef tanks greatest mysteries! Where does this stuff come from and how do I get rid of it? Safely that is! Once someone comes up with a solution, they will be rich!
There are some chemicals out there on the market that claim to have sucess with slime algea. Some actually work BUT, with every action there is an equal but oppoisite reaction. Opposite reaction, you say? Yes. I have played with these chemicals in my old reef tank. It did remove the slime but in its wake left some, not all, but some corals in very poor health. Not to mention the fact that I had to constantly run carbon after that to "polish" the water. According to the makers of said chemicals, the corals must have already been in bad health for "their" product to harm them in any way! Bull hockey!
What the man wrote above is the best advice. Current, more skimming, change old bulbs, water changes and good ol' fashion manuall removeal are the best at keeping this stuff under control.
Good Luck

 

[rhomer]

I feel so special, kudos from a shark. Did you hear that...
that was tears of joy hitting the keyboard.
Rob

 

[bunn]

Thanks for helping me out I will do what you all said hopefully it will work.