Algae ID
 

I'm getting a lot of this algae on my sand bed lately. I try to stir up the sand so it isnt so noticeable, but it always comes back the next day. It's really red and almost slimey. My levels are all fine. Any ideas on what this is and how to eliminate it?

What brand are your test kits,your algae is actually cyanobacteria(bad).
How old is your system?

Thats cyano, increase your waterflow along the substrate and siphon out as much as possible when you are doing water changes, its not a big deal pretty easy to get rid of. Its usually caused by high phosphates i think... check out the link for some ways to control it.

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/cyanocontrolfaqs.htm

Should I just move my powerhead near the bottom of the tank so its blowing towards the substrate?

I cant get rid of this stuff. I have tried adding PhosGuard to lower my phosphates, but that didnt help. I tried aiming a powerhead at the sand, but that didnt help. Tried cutting the hours of lighting, but that didn't help. I stir up the sand to get rid of it, and it comes back again within hours full force. Im getting very frustrated. I did a 50% water change using RO/DI water a few days ago and that hasn't helped eiter. I have no fish in my tank anymore, so I only feed my inverts a bit of food every 3-4 days, so its not from over feeding.

Change old light bulbs, increase oxygen (more flow) in the water, more water changes, feed less, increase skimming and most of all patience :biggrin:

How much flow should I have in a 10g tank? Right now I have a nano-skimmer, hang on back filter (running PhosGaurd), and a small powerhead. Is this enough?

How small is the powerhead? I would think at least 2 powerheads would be better, like a couple of maxijet 400s or something

Its a very small cheaper powerhead, does 70 GPH. Right now I have it set up in a back corner pointed diagnolly towards the opposite corner in the front of the tank. Should I get another powerhead and place it on the opposite side and do the same?

Or.......go the chemical route and try Chemi-clean. Greatest stuff EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!