What algae?

[coriii]

Hello guys,

I'm in trouble getting an ID for this algae taking over my tank. It's dark red almost purple and slimy and covers my rocks and sandbed. I noticed it almost goes away at night to come back full force when the lights turn on.

Any help would be really appreciated!

 

[dbraun15]

It’s Cyanobacteria...technically not an algae, but bacteria. Is this a new tank? High nutrients create the bacteria. Do you have any GFO, phosguard, chemi-pure running? If not, those would help.

 

[coriii]

Thank you! Yeah the tank was started in August this year, so it's new. I'm currently running carbon, nitrate reducing resin and zeolite.

So the right thing to do is to bring nitrate and phosphate at zero and they will go away, right?

Thanks again!

 

[dbraun15]

Yes, bringing phosphates down will help. A lot of new tanks need to run the course to establish stability. I’ve had new tanks in the past have the same issue early on.

 

[14 foot reef]

Hello guys,

I'm in trouble getting an ID for this algae taking over my tank. It's dark red almost purple and slimy and covers my rocks and sandbed. I noticed it almost goes away at night to come back full force when the lights turn on.

Any help would be really appreciated!

Get Rid Of Cyanobacteria Or Red Slime Algae Forever!

Just like our previous episode all about eradicating algae, many of you landed here because you have a frustrating outbreak of red, brown, purple or even green slimy stuff in your tank. Our plan is to help you identify the problem, bust the myths and give you a solid foundation for

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[coriii]

Great thank you! Will do that as today's readings are a bit out of place it seems! Thanks again!!

 

[mta_morrow]

Do not take nutrients to zero! That opens the door for dinoflagellates which you do not want to deal with! Nitrates 5-15 and phosphates.03-.12 is a good place to start.once you can control it there for a period of time, then you can take it to the range you desire, but not zero.

 

[coriii]

Do not take nutrients to zero! That opens the door for dinoflagellates which you do not want to deal with! Nitrates 5-15 and phosphates.03-.12 is a good place to start.once you can control it there for a period of time, then you can take it to the range you desire, but not zero.

Will do, thank you for the clarification!