Here is a great article on the infamous red algae. And oh yeah, I had a run in with it as well. I think mine was due to "old fluorescent bulb syndrome" aka. "too lazy to buy new bulbs"
. I don't think that is what caused it initially, but I think that is what contributed to its quick growth. I have since cleaned my rock and waiting for it's unsightly return
. I'll be picking up some turbo's here shortly as well. From the article it sounds like their the only things to stop this red beast.
http://www.marineland.com/seascope/ss2003_issue3.pdf