Red, gooey slime?

[ArchDemon]

I've had my saltwater tank for a few months now, had an ich problem (it's still kinda there but that's not the issue now) and I've been adding calcium, and have one of those awesome Orbit light systems. Well, nedless to say I have nothing but a billion pounds of perfect live rock, except for this red, gooey stuff that seems to be forming all long the sand, and the rocks. It catches bubbles in the growth, and it's really fast. After it develops, it looks like seaweed (but red) and kinda waves in the current.

What is this stuff, and is it bad? Also, there is a grass-looking algae of sorts growing everywhere as well.

Thanks!

 

[bertoni]

The red stuff is likely cyanobacteria or dinoflagellates, and it might just be a phase. That's common in new tanks. You could try siphoning out some of it, and seeing whether it goes away on its own. If you don't mind waiting, you could give it a few weeks and try back again if it doesn't disappear on its own.

 

[ArchDemon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6627341#post6627341 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bertoni
The red stuff is likely cyanobacteria or dinoflagellates, and it might just be a phase. That's common in new tanks. You could try siphoning out some of it, and seeing whether it goes away on its own. If you don't mind waiting, you could give it a few weeks and try back again if it doesn't disappear on its own.

Ok so it's a phase thing, and I shouldn't really be worried. Any standards of cleanliness that would help, or does it ever actually HURT anything?

Thanks again.

 

[bertoni]

It can hurt corals by growing over them. The film is a sign of insufficient filtration (nutrient export), so if it persists, you'll need to deal with it.

 

[mmgm]

Sounds like Cyano... You may want to increase circulation in affected areas.... Also, this stuff called "Red Slime Remover" works great to get rid of this..... However, eventually this will cycle out of your tank....

Red Slime Remover

Good Luck and Welcome to RC.....

 

[ArchDemon]

Alright sounds like a combination of newbiness (the tank) and poor circulation. I should maybe just get another filter, although I hope I have enough room in the back of my tank ><

edit: mmgm, you have more than one of the biggest tank I've ever heard of.

I envy you guys

 

[mmgm]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6627709#post6627709 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ArchDemon
Alright sounds like a combination of newbiness (the tank) and poor circulation. I should maybe just get another filter, although I hope I have enough room in the back of my tank ><

edit: mmgm, you have more than one of the biggest tank I've ever heard of.

I envy you guys

Thanks... I've had a great time settng it up..... (despite some setbacks)..... We all started small..... you never know we may be reading about your 400 gallon soon.....

 

[theop]

Definately sounds like cyanobacteria. Adding a filter likely would not help. Since you may also be growing hair-algae based on your description, you likely have a nutrient problem.

How big is your tank?
What is your water circulation? Good circulation helps.
What type of water are you using? RO/DI will help.
Do you have a protein skimmer?
Have you tested for phosphates?
Do you have any nitrates?

Here are a couple of threads about cyano:
First
Second

 

[ArchDemon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6628703#post6628703 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by theop
Definately sounds like cyanobacteria. Adding a filter likely would not help. Since you may also be growing hair-algae based on your description, you likely have a nutrient problem.



Here are a couple of threads about cyano:
First
Second

How big is your tank? 75 gallon
What is your water circulation? Good circulation helps. Not as good as it should be I'm sure.
What type of water are you using? RO/DI will help. It's treated tap water, but the quality seems fine.
Do you have a protein skimmer? Yes.
Have you tested for phosphates? Not from my knowledge
Do you have any nitrates? Nope

Thanks.

After reading the other threads, I should possibly just get some of that red remover chemical, and try that out, sounds like it'll stop if long enough to fix a few things.