Algae issues

k9dusty · 01/02/2009, 10:16 AM

I have a 55 gallon reef/fish tank. I have good water movement and lighting. I am having ANOTHER red slime and green algae out break. This seems to happen once a month. The slime covers my rock,sand and parts of the glass. The green algae only covers one rock (weird). .

I only have four fish so the tank is not over crowded. Are there any fish that will eat the algae? How about that Red slime remover stuff. Does it work?

Thanks for the help...

Brandon M · 01/02/2009, 10:47 AM

First, welcome to reefcentral! You've come to the right place.

I would stay away from the red slime remover. Instead, try and find the root of the problem (most likely excess nutrients) and eliminate it.

Here is a great link for ideas...

http://www.brettsreef.com/index.php/...rine-aquarium/

In my opinion, the most important factor in my algae solution was using 0 TDS water from a good RO/DI unit and not overfeeding.

Good luck!

rkelman · 01/02/2009, 10:51 AM

Don't forget regular water changes...

Laddy · 01/02/2009, 11:20 AM

All of the above, plus: water movement at the waterline is essential to facilitate o2/co2 exchange, plus what temp are you keeping your tank at? Not to get into a heated exchange on water temps, but cooler tanks have the added benefit of less alage (75-78 degrees).

I'd recommend lowering the photo period on your lights, stop feeding so much, start to wet skim (if you have a skimmer), top off with ro/di, gradually lower the temp in the tank, put a powerhead at the water line, and add to your cleanup crew.

mjpinsky · 01/02/2009, 11:26 AM

I have used Chemiclean (spelling??) whenever I get a red slime outbreak that doesn't self resolve within a week.
It is perfectly safe and works every time. --- You just have to remember to shut off your skimmer while using it. And, when tank is clear and you turn the skimmer back on, expect to be emptying it often for about 3 days.
Yes, keeping nutrient levels low is the best prevention for getting an outbreak, but once you have one dosing the tank is the easiest way to resolve it........... MARC

dancewithethan · 01/02/2009, 12:05 PM

I'm just curious to why this happen once a month? is there something that you did to the tank once a month? what water source do you use for water change? perhaps you might want to check for Phos (P04) in your new water before your water refill and water change. good luck

k9dusty · 01/02/2009, 12:53 PM

Thanks to all so far. I believe the problem is a combination of all that was suggested. Thanks again.

01/02/2009, 10:16 AM	#1
k9dusty Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 3	Algae issues I have a 55 gallon reef/fish tank. I have good water movement and lighting. I am having ANOTHER red slime and green algae out break. This seems to happen once a month. The slime covers my rock,sand and parts of the glass. The green algae only covers one rock (weird). . I only have four fish so the tank is not over crowded. Are there any fish that will eat the algae? How about that Red slime remover stuff. Does it work? Thanks for the help...

01/02/2009, 10:47 AM	#2
Brandon M Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 1,116	First, welcome to reefcentral! You've come to the right place. I would stay away from the red slime remover. Instead, try and find the root of the problem (most likely excess nutrients) and eliminate it. Here is a great link for ideas... http://www.brettsreef.com/index.php/...rine-aquarium/ In my opinion, the most important factor in my algae solution was using 0 TDS water from a good RO/DI unit and not overfeeding. Good luck! __________________ Brandon Current Tank Info: 315g 84"x24"x36" FOWLR

01/02/2009, 11:20 AM	#4
Laddy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Standing Tall on the Quarterdeck Posts: 1,001	All of the above, plus: water movement at the waterline is essential to facilitate o2/co2 exchange, plus what temp are you keeping your tank at? Not to get into a heated exchange on water temps, but cooler tanks have the added benefit of less alage (75-78 degrees). I'd recommend lowering the photo period on your lights, stop feeding so much, start to wet skim (if you have a skimmer), top off with ro/di, gradually lower the temp in the tank, put a powerhead at the water line, and add to your cleanup crew. __________________ James Hobbies: I enjoy moving water from point A, to point B, back to point A WANTED: True ATL Appleberry Palawanensis Frag, PM me. Current Tank Info: Current Build: 180 Reef; 55 holding tank

01/02/2009, 12:05 PM	#6
dancewithethan Ethan M Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: San Rafael, California Posts: 673	I'm just curious to why this happen once a month? is there something that you did to the tank once a month? what water source do you use for water change? perhaps you might want to check for Phos (P04) in your new water before your water refill and water change. good luck __________________ Good things come to those who’re patiently wait - Ethan - Current Tank Info: Tank:~ 70 Gs Cadlight + 20 Gs sump\| Lights: 36" ATI Sunpower Dimmable T5x6 39W \| Skimmer: Octo\| Vortech M1 return\| GeoReef Cal Reactor \|2 MP10 VorTech + MaxSpect GyreXF150\|Neptune APEX Controller\|Skimz Bio Pellets\| Emperor Aquatics UV 18W Sterilizer

01/02/2009, 10:51 AM	#3
rkelman Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Belleville, Ontario Canada Posts: 3,438	Don't forget regular water changes...

01/02/2009, 11:26 AM	#5
mjpinsky Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 59	I have used Chemiclean (spelling??) whenever I get a red slime outbreak that doesn't self resolve within a week. It is perfectly safe and works every time. --- You just have to remember to shut off your skimmer while using it. And, when tank is clear and you turn the skimmer back on, expect to be emptying it often for about 3 days. Yes, keeping nutrient levels low is the best prevention for getting an outbreak, but once you have one dosing the tank is the easiest way to resolve it........... MARC

01/02/2009, 12:53 PM	#7
k9dusty Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 3	Thanks to all so far. I believe the problem is a combination of all that was suggested. Thanks again.