Red Slime Algae

[Ray039]

Red Slime is not an algae. It's a bacteria.

 

[BlueSi4]

Sea Hare will NOT eat Cyano...

ok thanks for the info, wasn't too sure about it, since i had a couple people telling me that sea hares will eat the cyano while others told me that sea hares don't eat the cyano...

 

[JHOV2324]

I'm going through this as we speak...a reliable reefer told me to use Chemi Clean.....

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/196369/product.web

As soon as it comes in...i'm going to use it and let you know the outcome...I was told the cyano will come back....i guess if you keep treating it and keep your water levels up to par...eventually it will go away.....

After reading some threads it seems Chemi-Clean doesnt do good on SPS tanks......

 

[jhart]

I've gottin red slime before I got rid of it by siphoning it and doing water changes, TLC

 

[Mr.First]

Try lowering your water temp.

 

[rperrice]

I recently had been battling some cyano in my tank and after researching the subject and reading the advice given here at MR, I took the following actions:

- turned of lights for a couple of days
- reduced feedings
- did a larger water change
- ran a phosphate sponge and ChemiPure though my filter
- redirected powerheads
- bought a Brownbarred Goby. This fish is a great sand sifter and seems to have had the biggest impact on cleaning the sand and getting rid of the cyano. The only problem is some of my corals getting sand tossed on them, but rather that than ugly cyano.

I have been cyano-free for a couple of weeks now. I think the sources of my problem were:

- overfeeding
- used a filter sponge which was a bacteria haven
- I recently switched to a different purified water (used for top-offs) which probably contained more phosphates.
- the tank temperature runs a little warmer in the summer which I'm sure contributed to the problem

Thanks MR.

 

[Jasonanatal]

Just thought I would jump in on this thread and lend a helping hand.

Cyanobacteria or Red Slime Algae as we like to call it comes from areas of decreased flow, excessive nutrients within the water column, high phosphates and of course excessive lighting. Their are numerous ways to battle this nusiance but every reef tank needs to have the solution custom tailored to ensure that you are addressing the main cause or cuases that are allowing this bacteria to flourish.

I'm not into dosing chemicals as a quick fix to a problem but you can succesfully use Red Slime Remover which should clear up your problem in about 2 days. You have to leave your protein skimmer off and you will see the Cyanobacteria turn from red to brown and eventually flake off. THIS IS NOT A SOLUTION but yet a temporary fix. If your do not address the main cause it will eventually come back. Also your skimmer will go nutz when you turn it back on so don't plan on going out when you do turn it on so you can empty the collection cup once it fills a couple of times.

There are some snails that will eat Cyanbacteria but it still does not address your cause of the problem. Locate the source but adding a few of these guys can never hurt. They may need some guidance to place them right on it.

Phosphate in excessive amounts will definitely contribute to Cyanobacteria and other unwanted Allgae. Limit the amount of food and feeding reccurance or install a Phosphate Reactor with a phosphate removing media such as Rowaphos.

Decrease your photo period to aviod providing an abundance of a secondary food source for Cyanobacteria.

Also increase the flow within your tank to increase oxygen exchange and deadspots where Cyano forms. Most corals will also love this since the food will get to them easier.