What can control red algae?

[tmace64]

I'm having multiple growths of red - "stringy" algae. Is there a species of hermit or snail or fish that would control this?

I keep flipping sand and burrying it. Its not a total problem yet,,,, at least I hope it doesnt become a problem.......

Thanks!
Tod

[kreblak]

"Stringy" algae? Do you have any pics? I am only familiar with red slime algae (cyanobacteria), which scarlett hermits will control. Mine eat both red and green slime algae. However, slime algae grows in sheets, not stringy.

[mogurnda]

It seems to be a problem with young tanks, where nutrients are still a bit out of balance. Increased circulation, water changes and scarlet hermits do some of the job. Physically sucking the stuff off the sand will also help.

I think what eventually gets it is competition for nutrients with the corals and macroalgae when the tank is running full steam.

[tmace64]

I'll get a picture tomorrow...... late afternoon,, if i can escape from work. This is a deep red, or wine colored algae, very long feathery "vines" or strings grow very fast and quickly populate a corner or two,,, and are covering a big piece of my LR.

All else with my tank appears to be very good

thanks
todd

[MyRequiem]

Fighting conchs are really good for getting rid of cyano (red algae). I have 1 in my 10 gallon, that used to have a good amount of algae and after 2 weeks of getting a fighting conch its all gone.