What is this and how do i fix it?

[GaryDZ]

What is this. It is reddish brown, velvety aglae? It comes off the rock pretty easy with a spray of water... but it keeps comming back faster and faster. Started about 1-2 months ago... getting worse.

How do i fix it?

I have a 55g reef tank. All my measured water tests are good (pH, Ammonia, Nitrate/Nitrite).

I do not think I'm over feeding, I do it 2x a day with all the food gone in less than 3-4 minutes

I do about a 10% water change each week using aged, tap water and Instant ocean salt. I have 8-9 fish and some coral.

The tank has 2 fluval 404s and a protein skimmer.

Not sure whay I can not put a picture or a link in until I post 5 times... That is a lot of posts trying to describe something


Thanks for the help...

Also. is there a web site that has a Photo list to help ID things?

 

[Ryno368]

maybe turf algae or cyano?

 

[GaryDZ]

Not sure... but it could be.

last time I had a problem with that it was on my sand mostly. this is only on my rocks.

 

[Recty]

Looks like cyanobacteria to me. I'd be willing to bet money on it.

Causes are high nutrients, low flow and old lights.

 

[GaryDZ]

Another question....

I started a treatment with Ultra life Red Slime remover.... Should I rub the Red Slime off the rock to help the treatment along... or just let it act on its own?

Over night, the Skimmer has kicked into over drive, but I do not see any real change in the rocks.

 

[Recty]

That product doesnt say anything about trying to rub it off the rocks, it just says add to your aquarium and let it sit.

It does mention that you should put in an airstone or two as it lowers the oxygen in your water, so your fish and other life might be having a hard time if you havent done that.

 

[GaryDZ]

Air Stone...

Air Stone...

I have an air stone going.....

Thanks