My tanks seems to always have this red algae on the sand and the rocks. I have tried to get rid of it but it keeps coming back. There are only 5 small fish in the tank and rock, live sand. I do not have a protein skimmer yet, could that be the reason? Also, I am using regular lights on it and they are on for 6-8 hrs a day, is that too long? HELP please!!!
29 gallon reef with red algae
- Thread starter Fay
- Start date
- Tagged users None
saltyphish
Certified Sand Groomer
Post a pic of it if you are able. Most reasons for problem algae is available nutrients. What are you nitrates and phosphates?
How old is your tank? If it's fairly new then it's probably Cyanobacteria. This is actually quite common for the first 6-8 months or so IME. Once you develop a routine though and the tank matures it usually goes away. The link below might help. GL.
http://www.reefcleaners.org/nuisance-algae-id-guide
http://www.reefcleaners.org/nuisance-algae-id-guide
Thank you for that website, it will be helpful. I would say the tank is around 8 months old now. The red algae has been around for a month or so. My aquarium store gave me a powder chemical (at work now and do not remember the name of product) which worked the first time but it is back now. I will take pictures tonight when I get home. I will test the water also and see what my stats are. Thank you and I will send pictures when I can.
saltyphish
Certified Sand Groomer
saltyphish
Certified Sand Groomer
Definately cyano. I'm guessing the powder you bought is chemiclean. The problem with cyano bacteria is it not only feeds on nutrients but also feeds on light as well. Some people are able to beat it by just increasing flow (never works for me). I have great exp with chemiclean but unless you solve your high nutrient problem it will most likely come back.
NoStRaThOmAs
Active Member
Siphon off rocks during water change
Lower nutrient level
Incorporate protein skimmer
Reduce lighting to 9 hrs a day
Try some gfo/carbon combo in a reactor
Lower nutrient level
Incorporate protein skimmer
Reduce lighting to 9 hrs a day
Try some gfo/carbon combo in a reactor
Thank you. I test the water but not sure I am reading the color on the cards correctly. I am bringing a water sample to the aquarium store this weekend. I think until then I will lower the hours for the lights.
saltyphish
Certified Sand Groomer
Numbers from test kit will only show the nutrients currently in the water column. The algae is consuming a good portion of what your tank has available so make sure if you show low readings you actually have more. The algae kind of acts like a fuge in your tank. The downside is its ugly, and can cover and kill coral. Water changes with some gfo/carbon is your best course of action imo. Also I use chemiclean myself to help with great results. Just make sure you follow directions s exactly.
