Rust colored algae

[SpsJunkie]

My tank is starting to get covered with this rust covered algae. It started in the sand bed and moved to my live rock. My first thought was testing my chemical levels in my tank, I was thinking my phosphates were to high. They came out at .03 which really confused me. Cal, alk, mag are all fine. None of the chemicals I test for are to high or to low so I my next idea was to add more water flow. Thinking this must be the problem I purchased two WP 40's (which for the money are awesome!). My tank is only a four foot tank 110 gallon. I have a 30 gallon sump with a 27 gallon frag tank in the loop. I do weekly water changes test almost everyday and I am about to shut my system down get rid of all the sand and replace with new sand. I REALLY DO NOT WANT TO DO THIS. So if you guys have any ideas please help!

 

[cvysochin]

I cant see the pic for some reason but do you run GFO? If its a yes then check to see if your gfo is tumbling too much causing it to grind. I had that happen in my system and everything was covered in that rust color(fines from the GFO). To fix it I just turned down the pump some on the reactor and added a sock on the end of the reactor. Cleared it all up in a few days. HTH GL!!

 

[mike007]

Hard tell by photos but looks like cyno or corraline. If it is cyno you are doing the right thing with increased circulation. You might try to vacumn up your sandbed. If its corraline thats great. Also be carefull and don't overfeed. Normally with good lighting and what you are doing if its cyno it should go away.

 

[NanaReefer]

How old is your tank? Can't see the pic via Tapatalk sorry.
You stated you added 2 new pumps. Any chance you soaked them in vinegar before adding them?
Possible diatom bloom.


Sent from my iPhone 4s via Tapatalk.

 

[SpsJunkie]

Rust color

Yes I did add two different pumps, and no I did not soak them in vinegar. I did not know that you have to soak new pumps in vinegar. I am also having a small outbreak of diatoms. Is it a good idea to soak every pump or piece of equipment in vinegar before putting them in my tank?

 

[Reefing Madness]

No reason to soak new equipment in vinegar, only a new skimmer. Have you added a new light to the system recently?

 

[blufin]

No answers yet? I have this same crap in my tank and all I can think of is I have excess nutrients. Nitrates are around 5 on Salifert. I've got good flow and a good skimmer, led's. I sure wish I could get rid of this crap.