Please help.. crazy algae On sand bed and some rocks..

[maugustine]

I have had algae spikes before.. but have not seen it come this fast..
it’s red and covers 80% sand all of sudden my conch can’t eat it all.. the corals and fish seem fine.. started 2 days ago

how can I get rid of it?

 

[vetteguy53081]

It is a combination of Diatoms and cyano. Cyano is generally an indication that Phosphate and nitrate may be elevated. So do test that,
3Cyano os a bacteria and feeds off NoPox, too much food being fed also. You can increase water flow towards sandbed- NOT at it and reduce white light intensity or even turn off the white for 5-7 days. Blow this stuff gently daily with a turkey baster and siphon up OR siphon it up daily if its just on a flat surface and also clean filters daily. Add some snails: Cerith, nerite, astrea and nassarius as well as 6-8 blue leg hermits which help will clean this up
Last thing- Add a pouch of ChemiPure elite which will keep phosphate and nitrate in check

 

[sfin52]

I've seen cyanobacteria in nutrient deficient water as well. A little more about your tank will help.

 

[Crustaceon]

You’ll typically see cyano and other critters like this pop up when nitrates/phosphates are too low (really common) or too high. IME it’s a sign that the environment has become less suitable for beneficial bacteria and more suitable for what you’re seeing now. First off is making sure your water parameters are in-line and stable. Secondly is dosing beneficial bacteria daily until the balance is tipped in the bacteria’s favor.

 

[Pkunk35]

Chemipure might help? It will work if the red algae is spirulina I believe, which looks a lot like cyano. It won’t solve the root cause tho.

here’s one such thread where it is used and I also have used it many times: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/best-treatment-for-spirulina.247038/

EXact ID of the red algae Will also def help , a microscope can be used
GL!

 

[maugustine]

I have had algae spikes before.. but have not seen it come this fast..
it’s red and covers 80% sand all of sudden my conch can’t eat it all.. the corals and fish seem fine.. started 2 days ago

how can I get rid of it?

Thanks for the responses.. I got my new service dude on the phone.. he going come by to help me..
I was able to pull a bunch of it out with my long tongs.. it’s clumpy and stringy.. I only know how to do the strip test.. is there a good device that sits in the tank alerts when levels are off?

 

[saltyhog]

Before you treat with any chemicals, is there any chance you can get a sample under a microscope and take a picture/video?

If that's not possible can you take a picture of it with white lighting?