red algae bloom (over my sand)

[treesmoker]

how do i get rid of this algae? is my alk. too low??

[sulcata1619]

check your nitrates lately?

[clayspst]

they also have that red slime remover

[sulcata1619]

temporary fix. Better off finding the cause of the problem. Nitrates and Phosphates. How often do you do water changes Jake?

[treesmoker]

not very often. every time I test my water it's perfect. I do have some nitrates though, they're at 10ppm. that's the lowest I've been able to get it. I just started using a nitrate remover filter pad, but it doesn't seem to be doing much.


Mike- were you still interested in some zoo frags?

[coralfarmer]

It usually is a combination of factors that causes it to grow if I maintain the pH above 8.2, 8.3-8.4 and minimize my organics and lots of water flow it tends not to grow. There are some good articles in past isssues of reefkeeping magazine

[northbay-reefer]

Treesmoker, if I remember correctly, you are one of those NO water change reefer right ? :D :D

[crispyreef]

Also look at your flow. I know cyano likes to grow in dead spots when everything else is in place like high phos, nitr. It may also be due to infrequent water changes. Nitrate is not the only thing that builds up over time.

[sulcata1619]

I think 10ppm is a little high. You will notice better color and polyp extension if you can get it down.


On the Zoos, I am still interested but am broke right now. I will call you when we cash in the next copper pile.

[funman1]

It's usually VERY related to phos levels.
I know I have a phos problem when I see this in my nanos, and testing confirms it.