Thick Red Algae Problem

alvarado41

alvarado41

Go BEARS
Feb 20, 2005
28
0
0
Hi everyone.
I recently have a red algae problem that seems to get worse by the day.
My test were all OK. But now it changed. My PH is 8.2 Nitrite is 0 Ammonia is now 1.0 which use to be 0. And nitrate is 10 which I could never get a 0.
But now this red algae is taking over my LR. I have a Yellow tang, Salifin Tang, Tomato Clown and a Mower blennie and Cleaner shrimp. 3 turbo snails and a brittle star. OH and a striped sea star that came with the calupra and a million baby feather dusters that i can't get rid of. 180gal protien skimmer a canister filter to clean the water and a 8watt UV light. My light is on from 6 am to 7pm then it changes over to moonlight from 7pm to 6am everyday. Now with this information. Why is there red thick algae growing in my tank? It's over a year old and everything has been going great. If you have any idea or something that can enlighten me, PLEASE let me know :help:
Here are some pics of the algae.

Red Algae 1.jpg Red Algae 2.jpg Red Algae 3.jpg
 
Yes that is cyno. I'm having the same problem. I would definitly lower you lighting hours. I turn mine on at 9am and they go off at 6pm, it seemed to help a little. Also, you must have flow! Flow will eliminate the cyno. How many powerheads do you have in your tank?

Ways to stop cyno:
-Lower lighting hours
-Add more flow
-replace lights after 6-7 months
-Have a refugium to put macro algae in
-Lower your feedings

Edit: I just went back over your pics and your message. You have lights on 24/7! I would cut the moonlights and lower your main tanks lighting a couple of hours. Try that and let me know how it goes.
 
I don't have a powerhead running in my tank. I didn't think the fish wanted or needed it. But I will put one in today. Thanks for the help. I would like to hear from more people on this matter. :thm:
 
i ran into the same problem as you. your algea is feeding off your nitrates if you lower your nitrates it will do nothing but good. I used De*Nitrate its only about $20 and my nitrates are at 0.
 
I heard it's not good to use chemicals in your tank. When you test the water you get false readings on Nitrates. Thats what the calupra is for, to lower the nitrate. It's true, I haven't changed the lights blubs in a year. So maybe thats the answer to the algae problem im having too. Thank you all for helping me to solve this problem. Please keep the information coming. :clap:
 
excess nutrients and low water movement are the root problem to cause cyano. Water change to reduce proteins. Reduce feeding of meaty foods. Get alot of circulation going, 20 times the volume flow, eliminate dead spots and the cyano will clear up in a week or so.
 
you can try all that other stuff and i hope it works for but i'd try running your with your lights off for 2-3 day's if you can (no corals or light sensitive fish) and see if that helps at all and by the way some cemcials are alright for your tank .with the food follow the three to five minute rule.and you need to read some more about your canister filter the more i look it them there breeding grounds for algae.btw how big is your tank???
 
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