Maroon Colored Algae Won’t Go Away

[10galtank]

Looks like diatoms/diatom film to me and diatoms not only appear in new tanks but mature tanks as well. Diatoms feed mainly off of silicates but also thrive off of dissolved organic compounds, phosphate and nitrates and silicates. Tap water can emit silicates andcause a bloom if you use it to mix salt or to replace water that evaporated from the tank. Tou can also get a diatom bloom when using RODI if the cartridge which removes silicates expires.

Good observation. I get my water from my lfs, I help the owners a lot and can attest to the fact that the RODI units are well maintained. I use the same water in my other tanks that aren’t having this problem. Nitrates have been stable in this tank since the start, slight fluctuation in phosphates— I only have 3 fish in there.

Any other ideas though??
I even tried blackout vinyl on the side of the tank facing the window…

 

[10galtank]

Consider getting different algae eating snails, such as turbos and cerith.

I have had both, unfortunately, they cannot really keep up with the algae as it seems to regrow the minute they think they cleaned it.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Good observation. I get my water from my lfs, I help the owners a lot and can attest to the fact that the RODI units are well maintained. I use the same water in my other tanks that aren’t having this problem. Nitrates have been stable in this tank since the start, slight fluctuation in phosphates— I only have 3 fish in there.

Any other ideas though??
I even tried blackout vinyl on the side of the tank facing the window…

5 day blackout, add 1.5ml of hydrogen peroxide per gallons at night and add a pouch of chemipure blue to sump which keeps po4 in check

 

[10galtank]

5 day blackout, add 1.5ml of hydrogen peroxide per gallons at night and add a pouch of chemipure blue to sump which keeps po4 in check

I regularly run chemipure blue. Will it strip the peroxide?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I regularly run chemipure blue. Will it strip the peroxide?

No - peroxide is an oxidizer and will starve out the algae of nutrients

 

[10galtank]

No - peroxide is an oxidizer and will starve out the algae of nutrients

How will this effect my tanks nutrients? I may be wrong but I believe h2o2 will effect my phosphates. Should I keep close eye?

 

[vetteguy53081]

How will this effect my tanks nutrients? I may be wrong but I believe h2o2 will effect my phosphates. Should I keep close eye?

yes and wont affect nutrients

 

[10galtank]

Roger that, thank you kindly.

 

[10galtank]

yes and wont affect nutrients

Update: walked into the tanks front glass panel on the floor… looks like I’ll be seeing if this algae problems happens again with a 4th restart lol