red algae(update W/pics)

[banshmann]

I have a classic 12g nano cube with 28 watt 50/50 bulb,stock pump and a nano surface skimmer.10lbs of live rock,3 snails,2 hermit crabs,1 royal gamma,1 blue damsel and 1 "nemo" clown.I have a layer of red algae that forms on top of the sand.Its thick enough that I can peel it off the sand and remove it.Is this good algae or bad?Should I leave it?I have a lab kit and I tested everything and it all looks good.I also change half the water periodically with sea water.The fish have been in there for a long time,look great and are vibrant.Any thoughts?

Thanks.

[FallingUp]

sounds to me like you got some Cyano Bacteria. Yes it is bad.

-Do you have a clean up crew?

-overfeeding?

-Dead spots where there is not enough flow


Mexican Dwarf Hermit Crabs get rid of this pretty good, also i use phosguard on my tank and it absorbs phosphate which algae feeds on, also over feeding can cause this as well.

good luck