Black Algae Prob Help Please!

[zfunk007]

I set up my refugium about 2 and a half weeks ago. Its 80 gallons. I have 3 types of caulerpa and a few other types of algae which are all flourishing. Im using 4 VHO 40 watt grow lights over it. The growth rate in the caulerpa is phenominal. However, somehow some of that black slime algae (which resembles the red slime algae) got into the system and is starting to completely cover some of the caulerpa. I've been peeling it off and getting rid of it, but its quite annoying and it keeps comming back. What can i do? And is this "black algae" or cyno-bacteria as ive heard it refered to, related to the red slime algae? I read a few threads up that guy that was having the problem with the red slime algae. And i heard all kinds of solutions, from getting sea urchins to eat it (wouldent they eat the caulerpa too?) blacking out the refugium for 3 days and of course that chemi clean stuff. I work at a fish store so i have acess to that. What would you all suggest? This stuff is quite an irratable problem. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
-Zack

 

[kmk2307]

Hi Zack,

I think your black algae is a cyanobacteria. What kind of filtration do you have on your tank? Do you use purified water (like RO) for your water changes and topoff? Do you test your water? If so, what are your phosphates and nitrates? Cyanobacteria love phosphates. IMO best way to get rid of them is to reduce your phosphates and keep your nitrates low but not undetectable (I shoot for around 5ppm but it's hard to control).

Good luck,
Kevin

 

[Uncle Mushroom]

Sounds like you may have too much dissolved organic matters or phosphates.

My personal experiences, reduce feeding and heavy skimming for a week or so will help you to remove the algae. (Condition: 50L tank, with CBR bakpak I)

IMHO, chemical method is the last resort. I once helped a senior colleague to solve the black algae problem in his heavy feeding, overcrowded, no skimming FOWLR tank. He did not want to install any extra equipment or carrying out any vigorous water changing for subsequent two weeks.

Eventually, I gave him four dose of erythomycin (100mg/20L/day). All black slime algae were gone after the treatment and so as his tank's biological filtration. Anyway, he was very happy with this result....

Recently, I am told that there are some drugs which is not antibiotics-based, but I've never tried.


P.S. a more detailed reading about controlling cyano.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/bluegralgae.htm