Identification Help?

[fishlady5000]

Hello all,
I am new to saltwater aquariums as well as this site. My tank has been running since Nov. 2014 and so far I have not experienced any algae problems like this. I have spent some time trying to figure out what this growth is (I was leaning toward bubble algae until it became long and string-like) but I simply do not trust myself in this diagnosis. My fish do not appear to be stressed and my nitrates have always run a little high. I have roughly 30 lbs of live rock in a 75 gallon aquarium. I got a goby to help sift through the sand but he doesn't do much to help the problem. I have snails, peppermint shrimp, a yellow tang and numerous crabs. Can anyone help me?!

 

[gmastr85]

Looks like cyano to me...

 

[steelheader.262]

May have to go lights out for a few day and add carbon.

 

[aqwa078]

Looks like Cyanobacteria (red slime). Water change,slow down on feedings increase flow.

 

[gmastr85]

Is it more brown or red?

 

[Reefing Madness]

Cyanobactieria. Whats your flow? Whats your water params with only 30lbs of rock? Whats your phosphate reading?

 

[Jloveys79]

Yep... Red algae.

 

[fishlady5000]

It is almost a deep maroon color. It is not red algae, I don't think. It is much more slimy/stringy/spread out than what I've seen of red algae. It sticks to my sand doesn't grow on the glass. I have an Aqueon circulation pump that 950 gph. Technically, I have a 55 gallon tank with an additional make-shift sump underneath. I added clean carbon filters about a week ago and nothing has changed. I have never experimented with turning off lights for more than 13 hours at a time. Last I checked (about a week ago) my nitrates were at 80 ppm. I don't have exact parameters at the moment- my kit is empty and I plan on getting it tested at my local fish shop this week.

 

[fishlady5000]

Yeah it may be cyano... hard to tell I can't see the color.. Is it more brown or red?

it has a deep purple/maroon color. maybe some red undertones but i would not call it red.

 

[gmastr85]

Yeah thats cyano...

 

[fishlady5000]

Yeah thats cyano...

i think youre right. i am thinking i will cut back on feeding, light and increase water changes?

 

[gmastr85]

Are you using RODI water? Just trying to see if anything else might help...

 

[kuba]

Go to BRS and get this.

this stuff will fix all your problems within 4-7 days and potentially eliminate it to the point it doesn't grow back ,and yes it's reef safe

Just buy it you won't regret it.

 

[psirex]

It will always grow back if your nitrate and phos params are off....