1st ever SW tank

[dowjones1221]

I'm 18 and this is my first ever Sw tank. I'm always on RC so i figured I'd post some pics. Also there is a red algae on the back glass and I'm not to sure what it is. Any hhelp would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[alan214]

Congrats on your tank! I can see the pink coraline on the back but I don't think that's what you're referring to. I see the reddish algae around it. That is pretty typical in relatively new tanks or when the flow is inadequate.

It can also happen if you are having water issues. What are your water's param's? Also, how old is your tank?

 

[dowjones1221]

The tank will be 1 year old in march. I have had a lot of up and downs with it being that on some things i had no idea what to do. I think I am getting it under control. I did have a cyano problem and I got rid of that then this other red algae pooped up on the back.

Salinity - 0.245
PH - 8.1
Nitrates - 2
Calcium - 400
Mag. - 1520 I know this is high and i'm trying to get it down.
Alk.- was "normal" on my test kit
nitrites - 0
ammonia - 0

 

[flasher1]

The red algae you are referring to are diatoms and are very common in new tanks (although I do not see any evidence of your tank being new). To help control the algae you might want to get a couple of turbo snails or mexican turbo snails. I use the general rule of 3 turbo snails for every 10 gallons. It also might be coralline algae, which is not a bad thing.

 

[jenajet]

Very nice shots. Is the deep red hard? I have alot of deep red coraline. I also get some red algae along the glass in the sand bed and when I do a water change I use a plastic card and scrape it loose then siphon it out. Turbos are great but they can be little bull dozers so make sure everything is stabile.

 

[returnofsid]

I think the red algae is still cyanobacteria. Peel it off. If it won't come off easily, it's probably NOT cyano. Peel it while siphoning so it all gets sucked up. To combat it coming back, increase your flow in that area.