Red slimy stuff, et al

[Fishie Nut]

I've got this red -- I guess -- algae on the sand bed in my 35gal hex tank. Water chem is good -- no amonia, no nitrates, very low nitrates, high range calcium, pH 8.4. I've got three small fish and soft corals and polyps, all seem to be doing well; although my Devil's Hand coral is not opening lately??

What is this red stuff -- it's more like a film on the sandbed. I've got lots of cleanup crew, including a yellow cucumber and a sand star.

In addition, the temperature is hard to control. The top of the tank is covered (acrylic). I installed a 3" fan in the hood and it seems to work, but still seems high -- over 80.

Please help -- what to do? what to do? :rollface:

 

[Entropy]

Cyano.

Usually if you increase flow across your sand bed it will help, but the underling problem is almost always excess nutrients in the tank.

 

[oyam123]

yes cyano....chemi-clean will take it out.
but more flow, and less feeding work best.

 

[Saltwater Guy]

Less feeding, less light, more flow
that would be my three set process of getting rid of it.

 

[tedmc2]

Cynobacteria is very common, particularly in new tanks. As said, increased flow and less feeding will go a long way in getting rid of it. You can also manually remove it by siphoning or scraping it off the sand.

As far as temp goes, lights, powerheads and the like can effect the temp. I'm not sure of your set-up but you might not need both a hood and an acrylic cover.

You might also think about switching from an acrylic to eggcrate cover. That would allow heat to escape from the tank and better gas exchange as well.

 

[theop]

What kind of water (tap, RO, RO/DI, etc) are you using? Also, you might want to test the phosphates in your tank and in your water supply.

When I had cyano problems, I used a product called "Anti Red" which seemed to work for a while. These treatments are only quick fixes and if the underlying problem persists, the cyano will come back.

 

[Fishie Nut]

Thanks all for your help. This is a mind-boggling hobby. Every day I wake up to a new and exciting and concerning adventure in my tank. This is the best reason in the world for a hobby.

Thanks again for your education and help. FN