View Full Version : red slime algae
g. mcclean
08-01-2003, 11:58 AM
I have just started having a problem with red slime algae on the substrate in the front of my 46 gallon tank. I recently have started adding Kent B-ionic 1&2 to raise my calcium levels. I monitor water parameters almost daily. Ph is at 8.2, calcium still only 360, alkalinity 3.0. I can also see this algae growing between the sand and the glass in the front. I have many hermit crabs, an emerald crab, three kinds of snails, and a red serpent star. Yesterday I tried to "stir up" the area and siphon it out. I was able to get some without getting sand or critters. Any suggestions would be appreciated since it detracts from the appearance of the aquarium. The tank has been up and running for 5 months. I use a protein skimmer and a cannister filter. Thanks for any help offered.
cynobacteria is pretty common at that stage of a new tank. I had it real bad for a month or two after my tank was 4 to 5 months old.
If you keep good water params, don't let Nitrates and Phosphates get high, and don't over feed, it should go away. Mine took about a month to burn itself out.
Guy
kreblak
08-01-2003, 2:39 PM
My tank (a 46 gallon as well) has really bad cyanobacteria. I've got red slime everywhere! I've also got some green slime, and I've got one little region of inky black. It's gross. Anyway, my problems were low water flow, and "dead spots." I just added a new powerhead to the tank, and it is already having an effect. The three dead spots I had where water flow was stagnant are no more, and the cyano is literally melting away.
The fish seem happier in the increased current, as well. Closer to home for them, I suppose. Anyway, you sould shoot for 12x water flow in your tank MINIMUM. For a 46 gallon, you would need 552 gallons per hour turnover. I wasn't getting that, so I added a second powerhead. I now have about 17x turnover, and it is helping a lot.
Oh, from your post I got the impression that you were expecting your inverts to eat the red slime. Red slime isn't algae, it is bacteria. Inverts won't touch it. If you already knew this, then I apologize.
Flow rate, I knew I was forgetting something! You got me again Kreblak.
kreblak
08-01-2003, 3:56 PM
Just doing what I can to help. :D
BrianH
08-01-2003, 8:53 PM
Actually fighting conchs and some cukes will eat cyano.
Brian
g. mcclean
08-01-2003, 9:23 PM
Thanks so much for the rapid response. I did not know it was bacteria. More new knowledge. I suspected lack of water flow. I am running an aqua clear power head which has a 270 gal/hr turnover, obviously not enough. It does not have a water directional spout either. I will add a new powerhead. Thanks again.
Originally posted by BrianH
Actually fighting conchs and some cukes will eat cyano.
Brian
I still get sparks of cyno from time to time, and I have a few fighting conchs. I'm not sure if they are keeping it in check or if it just happens to subside after my water changes.
I thought conchs prefered diatoms?
Guy