Red Algae Invasion VS. DIY XP2 reactor! More Advice Needed About a Product.

[The Grizz]

Ok I now have 1 of my Rena XP2's running as a phos reactor. Bottom basket has 2 foam's with Pura Phoslock in the middle, top basket has Pura Carbon between the foam running @ approx. 63 gph.

Also bought some UltraLife Red Slime Remover. Have not used it yet, kinda nervous as I have heard that it has killed peoples tank but have also heard it works great (not that I don't trust you Triggz, just need to know more people have used it and it worked). Experiences please!!

[ReefJunkie]

When I had cyano I increased my water changes, syphoned as much algae out as I could and used a zeovit product called Coral Snow. I also added a powerhead for better flow.

[The Grizz]

I do have 4 - 1300 gph power head's. Just did a water change as phos & nit's were a little high. I am going to check it again in a few hour's. I will have to syphon out the red algae next I guess.

[globaldesigns]

Hey,

As your nitrates are high, do some more water changes. Coral Snow neutralizes undesirable acids and is a solution against slime algae and cyano bacteria. I use it everyday as I am on Full Zeo, but do recommend this product to people that are not using Zeo, it does work.

What is your bioload? I can't remember, maybe you are a little high there.

Also, If I recall this is a new system, maybe you are just doing too much too fast. Best thing about this hobby is patience and taking your time.

Call me if you wish on my cell (you still have it?) we can talk it over.

[burrows14]

I agree with the coral snow also. I had a bad out break myself and I fought it by doing a 3 to 4 day black out and added coral snow and I havent seen any red slime in 3 months

[MMAX]

What kind of water are you using Grizz? I had a bad outbreak 2 summers ago when I started experimenting with tap water because I ran out of RO. Mixed up a fresh bucket of salt water and scrubbed every rock in my tank. Did a complete water change using RO and haven't had a problem since.

[globaldesigns]

Hey it was great talking with you again, keep in touch. Let me know how it goes.

[The Grizz]

Originally Posted by MMAX

What kind of water are you using Grizz? I had a bad outbreak 2 summers ago when I started experimenting with tap water because I ran out of RO. Mixed up a fresh bucket of salt water and scrubbed every rock in my tank. Did a complete water change using RO and haven't had a problem since.

I have a whole house RO system (big $$$ system) that produces water with a better quality then store bought.

[ZachAttack]

Hey man, the red slime is probably a bacteria called cyano, and isn't in fact an algae. You can go to any local pet store and ask about it, they should have a powder that you dose the tank with (will cost about $10) and it should kill off the bacteria within 48 hours, unless it is really bad and it will take two times that long. I had the same problem and this cured it really well. The red stuff will die and turn brown and if you have snails they'll clean the dead stuff up. Hope this works for you, let me know.

And oh yeah, if you are using flake food, then the cyano is prolly a sign that you are over feeding.

[Blakes Living Reef.ca]

You have a cyno bacteria which will take over your tank and may harm your corals. Your live rock and sand(?) are more than likely saturated with phosphates. You need to remove all of your live rock/sand and place them in a covered, heated tube for a period of 3-4 weeks (or more) with a small skimmer or water changes (every 2-3 days). This will allow your rock/sand to re-cure. Clean your rock first (toothbrush works great) and re-clean at each water change. Only place back into your main tank when water stays clean, rock smells and looks right. This sounds drastic but just adding chemicals is wrong! You have to find the source of the phosphates and eliminate them (overfeeding/overstocking). I have found adding a Phosphate Reactor to the system along with good Reverse Osmosis water will prevent further issues.