Rust colored algae

raswank1 · 01/25/2010, 05:04 PM

Not new to the hobby, but need to know why I have this rust colored algae on just my sand. I added new lights about a month and a half ago, and was told it was diatoms or something and would go away. When? Is it something with the T5 set up from Aquatic life? I maintain saltwater reef tanks and other fish tanks as a part time business. But I cannot figure out how to get rid of it. 3 of the tanks I service have this same lighting, and all have the rust colored algae on the sand. I dose B-Ionic 2 part, Strontium, Iodine, and Magnesium. Calcium 450 and Alkalinity is 10. Magnesium is 1300. My rocks have beautiful pink, purple, yellow, and orange colored coralline algae.

Scott Wilson · 01/25/2010, 06:41 PM

When you stir the sand does it stick or release in the water like dust. If it releases like dust it it diatoms. A picture will help ID.

ajolie30 · 01/25/2010, 06:47 PM

it will go away with time I fought it for quite some time but now it is gone good water quality and not over feeding is a good start also water movement I have 2 power heads at the bottom of my tank on each side moving just enough water in that area without diturbing my sand bed

raswank1 · 01/25/2010, 08:21 PM

When I stir the sand it goes away. The tank has been up for about 8 years and has never has this.

Sisterlimonpot · 01/25/2010, 08:43 PM

Can you post some pics?

01/25/2010, 05:04 PM	#1
raswank1 Registered Member. Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Auburn,Ma Posts: 152	Rust colored algae Not new to the hobby, but need to know why I have this rust colored algae on just my sand. I added new lights about a month and a half ago, and was told it was diatoms or something and would go away. When? Is it something with the T5 set up from Aquatic life? I maintain saltwater reef tanks and other fish tanks as a part time business. But I cannot figure out how to get rid of it. 3 of the tanks I service have this same lighting, and all have the rust colored algae on the sand. I dose B-Ionic 2 part, Strontium, Iodine, and Magnesium. Calcium 450 and Alkalinity is 10. Magnesium is 1300. My rocks have beautiful pink, purple, yellow, and orange colored coralline algae.

01/25/2010, 08:43 PM	#5
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	Can you post some pics? __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

01/25/2010, 06:41 PM	#2
Scott Wilson Registered Member. Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: carlisle, ohio Posts: 228	When you stir the sand does it stick or release in the water like dust. If it releases like dust it it diatoms. A picture will help ID.

01/25/2010, 06:47 PM	#3
ajolie30 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: ct Posts: 300	it will go away with time I fought it for quite some time but now it is gone good water quality and not over feeding is a good start also water movement I have 2 power heads at the bottom of my tank on each side moving just enough water in that area without diturbing my sand bed

01/25/2010, 08:21 PM	#4
raswank1 Registered Member. Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Auburn,Ma Posts: 152	When I stir the sand it goes away. The tank has been up for about 8 years and has never has this.