Actinic lights and algae growth

sail33

sail33

New member
I've got a small but persistent problem with red cyano "algae". I know , it's really a bacteria, very primitive and close to algae. I've searched high and low. Other forums, "how to get rid of" threads. I've got plenty of responses listing Kelvin charts, par value, "I used to know that but my dentist moved".

Despite the fact that I know that all things reefing take time. I want it gone yesterday. Please understand that I am not a total ***. I'm just really frustrated with the problem as well as the answers I've found to date.

I have reduced feeding, reduced lighting, added some phosban, installed an algae turf scrubber all recently. They have NOT had time to work yet. I am approaching the problem in every direction with the exception of chemicals.

I don't really need help with alternative solutions. I'm certain that what I've done will kill the cyano sooner or later.

My single question in this thread is:

as I reduce light, (I'm not crazy about the idea of a total black out.) will actinic lights increase red cyano growth or reduce it?

I know someone will be tempted to answer "yes". I might do the same myself but would follow that with a sincere attempt at a real answer. you see, I'm trying to get this resolved before I go into the hospital for some major work. That could happen any day and I don't want to dump the problem on a caretaker during my 30 day recovery. Things can get out of hand in that period of time ya know ?

I would REALLY appreciate a knowledgeable reply. If this is one of those "it's a matter of opinion" rather than fact, that's ok. I can deal with that. I'll try a total three day black out if no one knows for a fact.

Again, THANKS for any real help you might offer. Sorry to be so edgy anat.
 
The stuff can be a menace, the key, from my experience is to disrupt its life cycle. Lights out works better than trying to starve it out but most people do not do it for long enough, it may take 4 or 5 days of lights out but you will know when you have won, your skimmate will be red in color. I have beat it before with starving it out, but it may take months.
 
CHEMICLEAN
CHEMICLEAN
CHEMICLEAN
CHEMICLEAN
CHEMICLEAN
CHEMICLEAN
CHEMICLEAN
CHEMICLEAN
CHEMICLEAN
CHEMICLEAN
CHEMICLEAN
CHEMICLEAN

Got the idea !

Save the pain just do it !
 
sirreal63 said:
The stuff can be a menace, the key, from my experience is to disrupt its life cycle. Lights out works better than trying to starve it out but most people do not do it for long enough, it may take 4 or 5 days of lights out but you will know when you have won, your skimmate will be red in color. I have beat it before with starving it out, but it may take months.
Click to expand...

THANKS for that. I am wary about a black out for that long. I thought nI might damage the coral.

I guess that means black out the turf scrubber too. arrg
 
LOL

YES SIR. To the LFS first thing. I guess I'll just have to break out the BIG guns. Black out and chemiclean.

I want it dead! I want it's children dead! I want all of it's associates DEAD !
 
No lights, and no it did not impact my corals at all. I did raise the light when I turned them back on though to avoid shocking them. I would use chemiclean as a last resort only and it does not have a 100% success rate.
 
I used Ultalife Red Slime Remover last month, It did the job in 4 or 5 days.
Just remember to shut down your protein skimmer while it's killing the intruder,or you'll be cleaning a overflowing skimmer and floor. and you'll probably want to add a airstone to your sump for added oxygen.(the remover depletes oxygen from the water).
Good Luck.
 
I have gotten mixed reviews on that. I've got a guy I trust at the LFS. I'll confirm with him. But blackout has begun.

THANKS AGAIN !! Now I just have to get my head wrapped around the surgery. It'll be fine.
 
Rustafar said:
I used Ultalife Red Slime Remover last month, It did the job in 4 or 5 days.
Just remember to shut down your protein skimmer while it's killing the intruder,or you'll be cleaning a overflowing skimmer and floor. and you'll probably want to add a airstone to your sump for added oxygen.(the remover depletes oxygen from the water).
Good Luck.
Click to expand...

Did you black out at the same time as the treatment ?
 
I guess I could take the cup off of the skimmer and let it rip rather than use an air stone if I use the Ultalife Red Slime Remover. I just don't like chemical cures if they can be avoided. Ya never know what else is going on.

Like the commercials for drugs you see on TV. The disclaimer takes longer than the promotion...
 
I've also heard about Special Blend microbe booster working. I just can't tell what they do. The reviews are as sketchy as the ingredients. I mean just what are "select biological accelerators and special supplements "
 
Don't know about that fix. As coralsnaked stated just do it with Chemiclean and after its gone do a normal water change. it won't affect anything in your tank. as long as you don't add to much.
Have used it on my tank a few years ago when I had corals and everything was fine.
Just used it last month on my FOWLR and it works fast and safe for all livestock in your tank.
Russ.
 
This is where we get to opinions. They are all welcome as they are sincere attempts to solve the problem. I think I'll try the blackout for a day and see what my guy at the LFS recommends. I'm not sure I have time to order anything. If they call me in I'll only have a few hours to get everything ready. So what ever I do has to either be completed or include the ability to be reversed. I have no idea if the call will happen this week or in three weeks. I'm probably adding some of my freaking out to this project but I'm doing the best I can.
 
I lived in St.pete, moved to Weeki Wachee in 97 to avoid the rat race. still go there to see friends and family. which LFS do you use?.
I used to work at living reef and Joes pet store near the W.W. flea market.
AHH the good old days. still miss the fishing down there.
 
I've been here since 1999 and was here and gone several times before deciding to stay.

I go to Rockin Reef just off 54 Ave n near 66 St. Bob is a good guy just don't start him talking about politics. You'll get an earful.

I tried a few others but locked onto this one when I called and started describing my problem of the day and Helen just stopped me and said " bring it on Honey, we'll help you fix it." A lot of stores have closed. People aren't reefing like they used to.

Of course your mermaids are cuter than ours.
 
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Back in the "money days" I bought the Krispy Cream corporate yacht and moved aboard. Now I can't dive and am left to an aquarium for salty times. I guess this ought to go in the lounge. or PMs
 
I think my neighbor sold his 125 reef tank to them a few yrs a go.
the hole kit and kabootle for $1200 .
Good luck with the Cyno terrorists.
Russ.
 
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