red slime algea

[weaver5]

I was wondering what the easiest way to get rid of red slime algea was. I had a piece of live rock with some and it has spread very rapidly.

 

[The_Boyz1]

I use Chemi Clean Or you can use Red Slime Remover.

 

[weaver5]

are those reef safe?

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I like red slime/cyanobacteria. It's a good indicator that organics in your water are reaching a critical level. Reduce nutrient levels by increasing nutrient export.

 

[fewfish]

I vote for Chemi Clean, used it it works and is reef safe.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Chemi clean does not solve the source of the problem (high organics)- it merely gets rid of red slime. I suggest solving the real problem instead of going for the quick cosmetic fix.

 

[fewfish]

I agree, it works in a pinch but its not something to use on a continually basic. I will add that after I used it, I made some changes to my tank like, added more snails, tossed in another powerhead and paid close attention to how I feed and what I was feeding. Now I have it under control and have been cyano free for about 6 wks.

 

[weaver5]

Thanks i will try the CHemi clean and buy some snail and i am planning on adding another powerhead. Hopefully i can get it is very unsightly to look at

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I would siphon the cyano out and add the powerhead. A Queen Conch will eat cyano. For nutrient export I suggest growing macroalgae in a lit sump and harvesting it. Make sure S.G. is 1.025 at 80 degrees F. Check spectrum of your lights- red favors cyano growth. Get a great skimmer and run it 24/7. Cut back on feedings.
These aren't the easiest methods of getting rid of (or preventing) a cyano outbreak, but they are the most effective long term solutions.
You'll either use these suggestions now- or later after spending money on the chemicals.

 

[biohazard]

Clean your tank........WATER CHANGES!

 

[^CelticReefer^]

I second Gary and Ken,
I just got over the cyano hump in my prop tank. More water flow, siphoning it out, less feeding, and use a power head to blow deitris off your LR or a good vacuuming would help more than a $16 bottle of chemicals.

Brian

 

[fewfish]

$16? I only paid $12 and the bottle treats 300 gals.

 

[weaver5]

BIo hazard- thanks but i doubt thats the problem seeing how i do a 10 gallon water change weekly on a 72 gal. tank

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Are you doing water changes with tap?

 

[weaver5]

no never use tap water made that mistake when we first started in salt water lol never again always use either disstilled ot r/o but good call gary thanks and the salt we use is instant ocean

 

[weaver5]

Seem to have finally gotten the problem under control. the tank looks alot better and is almost algea. thanks for the help

 

[Hound]

im in the middle of red slime break out also and have very little feedings i have a 20 gallon sump and a 20 gallon fuge with lots fo macro growing.........im thinking the r/o unit filter needs to be changed or that a bunch of nass snails i ordered online (150) died and now im goin through bloom....ive tested the water everything comes out ok and ive been doin regular changes for the past month(10 gallons every week) and im running phosphate sponge....im not getting to far cause every 2 days im syphoning out the red carpet of cyano any ideas?

 

[fewfish]

I would say that if a LOT of snails die and were left to rot, that would be a reason for a algae bloom. Not saying you left them there intentionally thou

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Red slime. It looks like we've all been there.

 

[tmz]

A few suggestions: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1239002