Algae Problem

[chalaco]

My aquarium broke out with a green type of algae. My zoos are starting to cringe because of it. The algae is sort of slimy with some bubbles what can it be and how do I cure it.

 

[Alaska_Phil]

Is it growing in slimy sheets? For example does it come off the rocks easily in sheets? Or does it just sort of desinigrate when you try to remove it? Pictures are always helpful.

Phil

 

[Logzor]

Sorry to hi-jack the post but what is the best way to get rid of the slime sheet algae?

I have some in the front of the tank on the sand bed where there is a lack of flow. Is there any other way to prevent it other than flow and water quality?

 

[chalaco]

Yes, it is sort of a slime sheet

 

[Alaska_Phil]

Sounds like dino's then. I've had the stuff crop up in my 50 gal tank twice now. Only way I've ever been able to get rid of it was to siphon out as much as possible then black out the tank for at least 3 days. And I mean completely black it out, cover it with black plastic or something, don't let any light in. Be prepared to empty your skimmer a lot during this time. All that dying algae is going to have it working over time.

After the blackout you'll be amazed at how clean the tank is. but do an immediate large water change. All that dead algae will cause a nitrate and phosephate spike and you'll be right back where you started otherwise.

and bring the lights back up slowly, 2 hours the first couple days, then 3 for a couple days and so on till you're back up to your full photo period. That way you don't photo shock your corals.

Good luck, this stuff is a real pain.

Phil