Tank looks UGLY!

[Ab129]

So about 2 months ago I started to notice something growing on my rock work. It looks like a red velvet covering and eventually it will come apart from the rock and dissipate and then it starts growing again on the rock. I also have spots of this popping up on my sandbed.
I think it's from over feeding. I pug a red tail trigger in a few months ago and he seems like he's always hungry and he eats a ton but I think that is the root of my problem.
Here are my numbers as of today
Salinity 1.026
pH 8.15
Ca 395
Mg 1275
Phos 0.25
Kalk 7.7
Nitrate 25

I know I have to get the alk up and the nitrates down.
What is the best way to do this without causing more problems.
I have learned that impatience is not a good thing!
Thanks

 

[Michael Hoaster]

Red velvet sounds like cyanobacteria. Manual removal, combined with multi-day blackouts, followed by Chemiclean and a large water change should help.

A good match for a high fish load is plants. They love high nitrate. Lot's of cool macro algae to choose from these days.

 

[Sk8r]

Cyano, most likely---any bubbles in it? Cyano usually has. Can appear as red stain on sand, thick goo on rocks. I have a post up in the stickies ^ that deals with it under the heading of Algae. Which it isn't but shares removal methods.

 

[Ab129]

Finishing up my 3 day blackout today and the situation has definitely improved but not gone. I'd say it looks about 50 % better.
Should I continue the blackout or turn the lights back on ?

 

[Michael Hoaster]

I've done four days, so you can go another day if you like. You can also do another blackout later, say once a month. Between blackouts keep up manual removal.

 

[Ab129]

Manual removal is pretty difficult. A lot of times it just falls apart and drifts right through your fingers.

 

[Michael Hoaster]

Sure. I've used a net before, to scoop it off the sand and chase down bits that drift away. You can also vacuum it up like you would with a water change. If you put a filter sock or similar on the other end of the hose, you can just pour the water right back in.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Siphoning is probably the easiest way of removal.

 

[Ab129]

Sure. I've used a net before, to scoop it off the sand and chase down bits that drift away. You can also vacuum it up like you would with a water change. If you put a filter sock or similar on the other end of the hose, you can just pour the water right back in.

The filter sock on the end of the hose worked great, thank you!
Couldn't get it all but I got a lot out!

 

[Michael Hoaster]

That's great to hear. I found that little trick here on RC a few years ago. It's handy!