red algae
 

I am not sure what I am doing wrong but my sand bed keeps growing a thick red algae blanket. It grows, lifts and then grows back at an amazing rate. My algae eating livestock(yellow tang, Sailfin Blennie, hermit crabs, snails, urchins, ect.) don't seem to want to eat it.
Any suggestions?
Greg

I had the same problem in my 90. I put two Zebra conches in and my sand has never been so white! :biggrin:

Gold Aquariums has some in right now(I think).

With out knowing any of your specs here are some general tips.
Reduce yout bio load (less feeding), more water movement, less time with your light on, water changes with RO/DI water.
Hope that helps.
Dave

I had the same thing for quite some time. I adjusted my water flow to get rid of dead spots and cut back on the feeding. Don't see it any more.

I think I have a pretty good flow but maybe I should cut back on the feeding. I like that conch idea too. I'll try your suggestions.
Thanks,
Greg

Sounds like cyano to me not sure how to get rid of it though besides constant siphoning.

Well, if you get really desperate, there's Red Slime Remover, but you have to remember it's treating the symptoms, and not the cause. Without addressing the cause, it will come back, sooner or later.

In a nutshell, it's a nutrient load issue. Although it's not uncommon in new tanks say around the 6 month mark. Remember that for the first year there's all kinds of spikes and cycles (not just the ammonia cycle), before anything somewhat resembling a stable equilibrium is attained. But getting back to the nutrient load, basically, managing import vs. export. E.g., feeding, skimmers, water changes, or macro algae harvesting, and so on.

PS. Sean is right, cyanobacteria. If you search here and on RC you will find heaps of pages of information. Good luck!

reply
 

I can vouch for Red slime remover, its a bit pricey so only use as a last resort. I think those zebra conches might be a better investment though, where can I get one?

Gold Aquariums had some conches when I was there on Friday. Whether they were "zebra" or something else, I have no idea .. I can't tell them apart.

As Tony & Sean say and as for a product to try use Chemi-Clean (Boyd Interprises) works within 2 days.