red bubble algae..how to control/eliminate

JPotter · #1 03-25-2009, 03:07 PM

I posted this to the nano area with several viewing but no replies. Perhaps someone with a big tank has dealt with this and can advise.

I have a BC 29 that has been up for about a year. In the past weeks the nitrates increased (I think as a result of feeding a new tubastrea). I have cut back the feeding (I hope it doesn't starve) and have done several 5 gal H2O water changes. The nitrates have improved but are still high. I am also adding an "anti nitrate" product that I think is similar to using vodka and/or vinegar.

There has always been the old bit of red algae but recently it is creeping all over the live rock, power heads and onto the base of some corals (I have no SPS).

My lights are PC fluorescents on for 12 hours. The corals generally seem content and the Clown fish carry on. The 6 line disappears for a few days every time I do a water change (I hope appears again soon).

My question is how to control the already existing algae? Some suggest emerald crabs (I have hermit crabs and 1 small porcelain crab). Do they work? Are they reef, fish and invert safe?

Can I do more drastic water changes without killing things (I use Ro water, set temp and salinity and mix it 24 hours before use). If so what regime is suggested?

How little can I feed to lower the nitrates without compromising the inhabitants?

Thanks for any and all help with this. My tank now looks like the rocks are purple (coraline algae) and red (bubble algae).
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gbeef · #2 03-25-2009, 09:59 PM

how much rock do you have in the tank? is possible you don't have enough bio filtration to keep up. OR.... if you have sand it my contain high phosphate content over time. I know red slime seems to occur in dead spots, where food may land. I wouldnt do drastic water changes until your sure you know whats wrong. If you do too much it could cycle the tank.

JPotter · #3 03-25-2009, 11:36 PM

J&L suggested a rock amount and I took considerably more than that. Most of the tank has rock. I do not have red slime (cyan) I have red bubble algae on the rocks and at the base of some coral. The sand is clear white and about a year old.

mseepman · #4 03-26-2009, 05:13 AM

Can you post pictures of this algae?

JPotter · #5 03-28-2009, 05:01 AM

I scraped a lot off today but expect it will grow back.

mseepman · #6 03-28-2009, 06:29 PM

Would still love to see a picture of the algae you are struggling with.

RuGlu6 · #7 03-29-2009, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPotter

J&L suggested a rock amount and I took considerably more than that. Most of the tank has rock. I do not have red slime (cyan) I have red bubble algae on the rocks and at the base of some coral. The sand is clear white and about a year old.

More rock then 25% of tank volume will lead to:
1-Lack of circulation
2-Dead zones with no O2
3-Po4 phosphates accumulation as well as No3.

Solution:
1-Remove some live rock
2- Go bare bottom or 1" inch sand bed at max.
3- increase circulation with propeller type pumps for wider flow pattern (not impeller)
4- Get rid of Po4, phosphates are main cause of algae.
Live rock and sand are "Home Depot" size source of Po4.