Ack! How do I get rid of this algae?

[Lillyrosesmum]

We have a 75 gallon tank and this stuff is taking over! Our parameters are fine except nitrates are high which we suspect is the problem. We have done 3 15 gallon changes and a 10 gallon change in the last 2 weeks and nitrates aren't dropping and algae seems to be growing more everyday. It started with a small spot and has taken over! What else do we need to do to get this mess under control?!?

 

[josh4107]

Figure out what's causing the nitrate problem... Over feeding? Looks like red slime algae to me. More flow/water movement will help as well. How long are your lights on during the day? Having too long Of a light cycle might help feed it as well.

 

[Lillyrosesmum]

When we feed it takes the fish about 30 seconds to eat all the fish. Lights are on from 11 to 9:30. We cut them down a little while ago because we had green algae. I believe our water flow is good. What can we do to improve that?

 

[Lillyrosesmum]

Also the algae is a brownish color and shrinks when the lights are off. I have no idea if that helps identify it. Our local fish store said is was diatoms but she didn't see a picture just our description.

 

[Diamond1]

Are you using RO/DI water when you do your water changes?

 

[ebushrow]

It is cycanobacteria or cyano. There needs to be more flow or more frequent water changes or both. You can get fixes, but they are going to be temporary if you don't figure out what the problem is first. Boyd industries makes a product for eliminating it, however, as josh4107 said more flow seems to be a major cause, second is excess nutrients without an export system- thus the water changes.

 

[mike007]

That appears to be cynobacteria. You need to test your water for nitrates,phosphates etc. Be sure you use rodi water and you need to test it before using. Increase flow in tank and how old are your bulbs on your lighting system? When you do your water changes vacumn the gravel and try to remove as much as you can. Make sure all your parameters are correct such as calcium, alkalinty and magnesium.

 

[Damon]

Bacteria algea as others have stated. However, the water flow and lights out are really only a temporary fix. Yes, you need to find out the source, but you have a pretty decent infestation. You can use a bacteria medication such as the chemi clean our even freshwater Maracyn to knock it out since it is bacteria. Or, my favourite, but it takes longer, is with Dr Tim's. I used a combination method of refresh and then waste away. I then added eco balance. Worked wonders for me and the system. But ultimately, there is something fuelling it.

If your system is young, could be rock leaching, could be die off, honestly, could be your water, food or even salt mix. It's one of those crazy and frustratingly curious things.

But,I like using bacteria to fight bacteria personally.

Note2 on Tap Pro

 

[jrom1300]

I fought cyano bacteria a long time ago i added a phosphate reactor more flow and did weekly water changes and set light to go off earlier than usual for a couple of weeks its a slow process but you can beat it also use red slim to medicated my advice when you feed your fish turn off your power heads i do that and it prevents food flying everywhere and allows fish to eat it all and you will prevent food go somewhere else

 

[Reefing Madness]

How much flow do you have in the tank? Most don't have enough, and end up with this.
You can kill it off by blacking out your tank for 3 days. But it may come back if you don't chnage something in the tank.
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/re...445-my-self-induced-cyanobacterial-bloom.html

 

[Mike J.]

Here is a very good article on Red Slime Algae. It is also a free monthly magazine to sign up for.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/redfish/Redfish_Magazine_2012_November_Usa.pdf

 

[Lillyrosesmum]

I think water flow is a problem. Also we have old lights that we will be replacing soon. Would that cause this?
I just tested everything tonight and my nitrates are much lower but my phosphates are high.