How do I remove red algae/cayno (maybe)?

jhast0n · Jul 17, 2015

I noticed in the last 2 weeks a red spot on a rock, maybe the size of a dime. Now there is another spot the size of a quarter. So after reading some articles I'm a bit confused, is red algae the same as Cayno? So whatever it might be, I can scrape it off but it comes back within a day or two. I noticed my Ph levels have been down from 8.4 to 8.0. Nitrites 0, Ammonia 0, Calcium 470, Nitrates .15-.20 (which are up a little) So what do I do at this point? I think the first step I'm going to take is turning off my daylight lights and just running my actinic lights. My tank is a 14 gal Biocube, its been up and running for 7-8 months now and this is my first tank and first encounter with this red gunk. So any advice is welcome!!! Thank you in a advance!

close up of red algae

jhast0n · Jul 17, 2015

Oh also, here is my newest member to my tank. I'm so excited to see this guy grow!!

ebushrow · Jul 17, 2015

Photos in the first post don't seem to be working....

jhast0n · Jul 17, 2015

jhast0n · Jul 17, 2015

I reattached them. Can you see them now?

3Twinklets · Jul 17, 2015

Red algae is not the same as Cyano.
Red algae cannot be blown off and Cyano can.
Lower your Nitrates and just blow it off with a turkey Bastet.

jhast0n · Jul 17, 2015

So since I'm having to scratch it off (it doesn't want to come off easily) would that confirm that its Cyano? And I do water changes 1 sometimes 2x a week, since its a small tank and takes very little time, I have just replaced all of my filters. I guess I'll drop down to feeding every other day instead of once a day. Is there anything else you can think of that I should be doing or not doing?

michaelis88 · Jul 17, 2015

thats not cyano, more is coraline algae

steve&mari · Jul 17, 2015

Agreed looks like coraline algae which is good it comes in various colors.

jhast0n · Jul 17, 2015

Thank you! Thats good news.... I do want to ask. I do have some spots that are a plump purple and they have been growing slowly. So the red spots are just another "type" of coraline?