B-ionic results in instant purple sludge

[psilo]

Hello all--

Just received my 250w metal halide with 20k bulb about 5 days ago, has done 4 full days (just shut off on timer). Light is on 10 hours a day..

anyway, the past two days i've used the two part b-ionic alkalinity #1 and calcium #2 i believe they are, two separate components to stimulate coraline algae growth (that's the goal).

So after two normal (maybe even a little stingy) doses 24 hours apart, I come home today to find a few sections of purple sludge on my rocks with bubbles in them.

Anyone have any experience? My friend had a tank that he tried to stimulate with chemicals and had the same problem except it always persisted even in his sand bed..

not looking to have to scrap anything over this algae.

Current bio load just a few blue damsels, 55 gallon tank, only carbon filtration and filter pads currently. 25% water change done yesterday. Tank in operation ~2 months.

Thanks

 

[chip721]

What are your Ca, Alk and Mg levels? 2 normal doses varies from tank to tank depending on your current levels and uptake.

 

[jmguerry12]

it could be cyanobacteria

 

[psilo]

yeah, i cant take pics due to bad cam but also tank being on dark cycle right now, but it looks like that junk in the pic..

guess now i can research how to destroy it, and regarding my levels - i lack a test kit unfortunately :\ currently sitting at 0.23 after another water change.

thx guys

 

[skeeter-doc]

yup cyano, and i would think it has nothing to do with your new additives, ... just new high lighting can bring out the worst of algaes

 

[jmguerry12]

test your phosphates....also cut down on the light try starting with a cpl of hours a day and work up.....i don't know id anything eats this but im sure there is something

 

[jdieck]

Cyanobacteria as stated before and has nothing to do with the b-ionic.
It feeds on organics and nitrogenous and Phosphorous compounds and it can turn nasty covering everything unless organics are in control.
Here are some general steps.
a) Reduce feeding
b) Improve your skimming, keep the skimmer clean and adjust it to skimm more wet foam
c) Use phosphate adsorbing media (Phosban, PHOsR or Rowaphos)
d) Run organics adsorbing media (Activated Carbon and/or Purigen)
e) Increase the frequency of your water changes
f) increase the water flow to keep detritus in suspension to make the skimmer more effective
g) Take a powerhead and blow detritus off the rock and pores after syphoning out as much Cyano as possible.
h) reduce your photo period by a couple of hours.
i) Ozone addition may help by breaking down organics to facilitate removal by skimming and to make them digestible to bacteria.
j) Reduce your bioload if it is on the high side.

Do all that and you will be free of it in a month or two. If everything fails nuke it with red slkime remover but follow the instructions to the letter as you run the risk of killing some of your benefical bacteria.

Now regarding your supplements. Go and get yourself good test kits for Calcium, Alkalinity and Magnesium and start getting familiar with the water chemistry, your chances of succes are greatly diminished without them. Never add anything blindly.