red slime alge?

[mikid]

im having a little of this showing up on areas i my tank,not much but im still concerned,is it do to not enough circulation,high phospate?,let me know,and if if high phos,easist way to get it lower?,tanks perimeters as follows

sal-1.025
alk-7-9dkh
nitrate-<10ppm
calc-400
ph-8.2
temp-77-79f
mag-850(low),need to get up!
phos ?,need to have water tested!

tank has been set up since april(29g),tranfered to (75g),(29g)
sump since august,tanks i know go through a cycle at about 4-6 months,just want some input,mikid

[nano mania]

Sounds like cyanobacteria
definently test Phosphates
Increased flow can help
Are you using RO/DI water to top off?
There are several Phosphate removing materials available

[jtarmitage]

Sounds like cyano.

1 - increase flow
2 - how old are the bulbs? Older bulbs help cyano grow. Changing the bulbs won't make it go away, but will help.
3 - Add or change carbon
4 - Add or change phosphate media
5 - check to make sure skimmer is working properly
6 - siphon off what you can. Use a turkey baster or powerhead to blast it off of the rocks, then siphon up what you can.
7 - water changes will help to reduce the level of DOC's in the water quickly as well.
HTH.

[MrMikeB]

Yep, Cyano - common algae treatment needed:
1) Less nutrients
2) Reduce PO4 (water changes, phosphate removal via media, etc.)
3) Use RO/DI if you don't already

And if you have a lot and the above does not help cut it back - you can try the blackout method. I have never tried it, but know of a couple folks who will completely black out their tank for a couple days to starve the algae of the needed sunlight. This coupled with PO4 removal is like the ol' one two. Maybe somebody who actually has done this can comment on the specifics.

[kevin95695]

Cyanobacter: What they said and put some ceriths in there.

[mikid]

thanks for the input,what kind of phospate removers are you using out there!,,buy the way,i do use ro/di water,do some water changes,blast it off the rocks,snails do help,have added cerith snails but they are to slowwww,any info needed,cost! ease of use!,mikid

[jtarmitage]

GFO or phosban is what most of us use, especially since we did the group buy. I believe there is still quite a bit available for like $12 for a sack full. Contact MrMikeB, as I think he has it at his shop.

[MrMikeB]

Yep, still have a bunch left. Post GB price is $15/lb as a courtesy to MARS members (got tired of needing change at thr $12/lb mark). I will not be able to make it to the meeting (will be diving that weekend), but a lot of folks need some so I will ask a fellow reefer to bring a bunch for you all. My schedule is really hectic lately, or I would offer to have you come on by between now and then.

[sacfishguy]

hey Mike, can i get a order of GFO, i can pick it up at the next meeting

thanks again

alan

[Trevor S]

Hi Mike, Im interested in some too, if you dont mind...

[bored4long]

I had a reoccurring problem with Cyano in my tank. Complete blackout totally knocked it out and fast. I think I did it for 2-3 days. But its just a temporary fix. IME, unless the source (phosphates in my case) are lowered, it will just come back.

[mikid]

ive never used phos ban before,but im starting tonight,havent tested the water yet but it make sense,my nitrates are less than 10ppm, even though i feed my fish everyday,ill keep you posted!