Cyano - Red Slime Elimination Question

DLANDINO · 05/01/2008, 07:13 PM

I have a very slight case of red slime on one of my rocks. I have bought Blue Vet Red Slime Control. The package directions say to discontinue carbon filtration as well as protein skimming for 5 days while treating. I am ok with the lack of a carbon filter but how long can the tank not be skimmed for without detrimental effects to corals and fish? Thanks

Dave

Avi · 05/01/2008, 07:23 PM

I'm not familiar with that particular product, but I am familiar with Chemiclean red slime remover, which is made by Boyd Enterprises. It's an effective product and it requires that the skimmer be inactive for 48-hours when you use it. Honestly, I would be concerned about discontinuing the skimmer for 5-days. 48-hours really is my comfortable limit. That doesn't mean that you can't do it safely for 5-days....the main concern, I'd think, is an increase in phosphates during the 5-days that could foster a micro-algae growth that can ultimately harm or even kill certain coral. I have seen that happen. So, if you do the 5-day thing, address that very issue by cutting back on the number of hours you have your lights on over the tank and feed somewhat less than you would normally. Also be sure that your water chemistry is in good shape when you start the treatment and have a good deal of flow in the reef also so detritus doesn't settle on any coral which would be a hospitable place for adventitious micro-algae. Using a turkey baster on coral like zoanthids and clavularia so detritus doesn't collect at the base of their polyps would be very helpful at any time but particularly during a period like 5-days when the skimmer isn't being used. If you take those measures, you may very well be just fine.

Wind Seeker · 05/01/2008, 07:26 PM

I used chemi clean. Turn off skimmer and stopped running carbon for 36 hours. Plus turned off the MHs for 48 hours. End result, no cyano. And it has not returned.

DLANDINO · 05/01/2008, 07:32 PM

Thank you AVI and Wind! You guys are great. Wish me luck. Best.

Dave

pledosophy · 05/02/2008, 12:26 AM

I ran a few different systems for many years with no protein skimmer so I see no issue.

If you just turn the lights off for a few days (three) the cyano will go away. If the original cause is still present it will return.

05/01/2008, 07:13 PM	#1
DLANDINO D.L. Heritage Rings Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Clinton, CT USA Posts: 5,610	Cyano - Red Slime Elimination Question I have a very slight case of red slime on one of my rocks. I have bought Blue Vet Red Slime Control. The package directions say to discontinue carbon filtration as well as protein skimming for 5 days while treating. I am ok with the lack of a carbon filter but how long can the tank not be skimmed for without detrimental effects to corals and fish? Thanks Dave __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: JBJ 8 Nano mixed

05/01/2008, 07:23 PM	#2
Avi Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Westchester County, NY Posts: 7,327	I'm not familiar with that particular product, but I am familiar with Chemiclean red slime remover, which is made by Boyd Enterprises. It's an effective product and it requires that the skimmer be inactive for 48-hours when you use it. Honestly, I would be concerned about discontinuing the skimmer for 5-days. 48-hours really is my comfortable limit. That doesn't mean that you can't do it safely for 5-days....the main concern, I'd think, is an increase in phosphates during the 5-days that could foster a micro-algae growth that can ultimately harm or even kill certain coral. I have seen that happen. So, if you do the 5-day thing, address that very issue by cutting back on the number of hours you have your lights on over the tank and feed somewhat less than you would normally. Also be sure that your water chemistry is in good shape when you start the treatment and have a good deal of flow in the reef also so detritus doesn't settle on any coral which would be a hospitable place for adventitious micro-algae. Using a turkey baster on coral like zoanthids and clavularia so detritus doesn't collect at the base of their polyps would be very helpful at any time but particularly during a period like 5-days when the skimmer isn't being used. If you take those measures, you may very well be just fine. __________________ I'd keep the whole ocean if my den were big enough Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef with 210 lbs. of live rock, Aqua-C EV180 Skimmer, Aquactinic double 250W MH with blue plus t5 support; 58 gallon freshwater planted tank using CO2 and T5s; 30-gallon cube with a few fancy goldfish; and a 110 gallon FOWLR

05/01/2008, 07:32 PM	#4
DLANDINO D.L. Heritage Rings Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Clinton, CT USA Posts: 5,610	Thank you AVI and Wind! You guys are great. Wish me luck. Best. Dave __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: JBJ 8 Nano mixed

05/02/2008, 12:26 AM	#5
pledosophy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Beaverton Posts: 5,290	I ran a few different systems for many years with no protein skimmer so I see no issue. If you just turn the lights off for a few days (three) the cyano will go away. If the original cause is still present it will return. __________________ 120g mixed reef 90g QT

05/01/2008, 07:26 PM	#3
Wind Seeker Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Marland Posts: 95	I used chemi clean. Turn off skimmer and stopped running carbon for 36 hours. Plus turned off the MHs for 48 hours. End result, no cyano. And it has not returned.