What is this?!?

Mike628 · Sep 29, 2015

So I have this stuff growing in my tank and I dont know if its my lights. I have a 29 gallon biocube and I run the white compact fluorescent and the actinic compact fluorescent from 7am to 3pm. I was running them for 12 hours a day. It grows and then I scrub it and then it grows back. Its a red color and has bubbles in it. Here are some pics. Please help me.

TomatoSauceTy · Sep 29, 2015

It looks to be cyanobacteria (red slime) A quick fix is using something such as chemiclean which requires an air stone when dosing it.

Do you have good flow in your tank ie powerheads?

ReeferBob · Sep 29, 2015

Cyano grows really well under bad lights. When is the last time you replaced your bulbs? All fluorescent bulbs should be replaced every 6-8 months. New bulbs and redirecting flow a bit will clear it right up.

Mike628 · Sep 29, 2015

The tank is only 3 months old. Its the biocube 29 gallon. I kept the lights and I havent added a power head, but ive been wanting too. Would the extra flow help?

TomatoSauceTy · Sep 29, 2015

Mike628 said:
The tank is only 3 months old. Its the biocube 29 gallon. I kept the lights and I havent added a power head, but ive been wanting too. Would the extra flow help?

Yes. Mainly use the return pump to break the water surface and use a powerhead(s) to circulate the water around your tank.

Mike628 · Sep 29, 2015

Ok thank you! Would you use one bigger powerhead or two smaller ones?

4FordFamily · Sep 29, 2015

I like to have one power head breaking surface for copious amounts of dissolved oxygen personally. But you do need to play with them for maximum flow throughout the tank.

Mike628 · Sep 29, 2015

Ok thank you! The help is greatly appreciated

TomatoSauceTy · Sep 29, 2015

Mike628 said:
Ok thank you! Would you use one bigger powerhead or two smaller ones?

Two smaller ones.

Mike628 · Sep 29, 2015

How would you position them?

TomatoSauceTy · Sep 29, 2015

Mike628 said:
How would you position them?

One on each side, the rest is going to be up to you and what your corals prefer / rock work. Try to avoid having dead spots that aren't getting flow etc. You will just have to toy with it until you get it right ie one on each side, but one higher than the other and angled in a certain direction etc.

Also, just my opinion, I think your tank needs more rock for filtration.

Mike628 · Sep 29, 2015

I think it does as well, but rock is expensive though when its $5 a poud it really ads up

TomatoSauceTy · Sep 29, 2015

Mike628 said:
I think it does as well, but rock is expensive though when its $5 a poud it really ads up

Do you have a local reef club? A lot of times you can find things for super cheap when you join a club. Also just be on the lookout on craigslist for rock / tank break downs.

Unfortunately everything in this hobby adds up =/. Hope their is a reef club near you.

Mike628 · Sep 29, 2015

Thank you. I live in the dallas area so if you know of anyone please let me know.

melypr1985 · Sep 29, 2015

There are 3 clubs that I know of in Dallas. There are also several facebook groups for trading, buying and selling. All great resources. Checkout DFWMAS, DallasMAS, NTRF for the clubs and these groups on facebook to start.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/DFWCoralTraders/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/473971255969514/

Mike628 · Sep 29, 2015

Thank you. Are any of you located in Dallas?

melypr1985 · Sep 29, 2015

Mike628 said:
Thank you. Are any of you located in Dallas?

I'm east of dallas in mesquite. There are quite a few dallas area people on here. There's actually a ton of reefers around dallas and lots of good stores to choose from.