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Red String Algae Everywhere! HELP!

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Mr.Mitchell, Jan 29, 2011.

  1. Jan 29, 2011 #1
    Mr.Mitchell

    Mr.Mitchell Inactive User

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    I need some ideas/help
    PROBLEM - Massive amounts of red hair algae on live rocks, polyps, and sand
    EQUIPMENT - 4 week old 22gallon CadLights full refuge tank with T5's, Korallia 3, refuge tank light, and nano tank heater (temp @ 75f)
    LIVE STOCK - Watchman goby, 6line Wrasse, peppermint shrimp, coral banded shrimp, crabs and snails.mushroom frag, zoas, star polyps, trumpets, and a purple clam
    ADDITIVESPURA Phoslock - placed in bag in first chamber of refuge. (2tbs) - changed once in 2 weeks
    BACKGROUND- I have done weekly (5g) water changes and tank has completed its cycle.  Every time I do a water change I suck out as much red algae as possible.  Nitrates & Nitrites are 0 & .5, PH is good, I don't have a direct phosphate test, but I would assume they are off the charts.  I have the tank located next to a second story window that has been getting direct PM sunlight, we just installed new window curtains to lower sunlight (if you want to know more about my home decorating skills please see my secondary post or just PM me).  This 'crap' grows overnight and even hours! I am lost for words or ideas... 
     
  2. Jan 29, 2011 #2
    RabbitReef

    RabbitReef Inactive User

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    I think its Cyanobaceria, also known as Red Slime Algae: How many hours per day for lighting? Heres the link about how to get rid of it red slime http://www.saltwateraquariumlighting.com/red-slime-algae/

    It says it all of how to do it. Any question just hit me up. Ive experiencing with this few times. /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif
     
  3. Jan 29, 2011 #3
    Mr.Mitchell

    Mr.Mitchell Inactive User

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    Thanks for your info

    I don't know if its Red Slime or just straight Red hair seems like I have both... I use R/O culligan water and i have a protein skimmer on order (my original order from cadlights failed to state they are on back order - mid feb).

    My lights run 12:30-7:30 with moon lights when not running T5's.

    I do weekly water changes & I would assume my excessive live rock, chaeto, and refuge would be a sufficient biological filter.
     
  4. Jan 29, 2011 #4
    Big John

    Big John Inactive User

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    Try Chemi Clean---Reef safe and has worked for me---you'll need to do a water change 48 hours after treating tank.
     
  5. Jan 29, 2011 #5
    JB Marion

    JB Veteran Reefkeeper

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    Maybe I'm reading that wrong, but if your tank is only 4 weeks old, its barely established. It's going to go through various phases where it will get diatoms, cyano, hair algea, etc. The one thing you don't want to do (especially on a realtively small tank) is over-react to the problem. Just practice good husbandry and usually these phases will all pass.

    -JB
     
  6. Jan 29, 2011 #6
    RabbitReef

    RabbitReef Inactive User

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    Big john is right. Make sure ur skimmer is off and take filter out so it can be more effective for 48 hrs. If its still there make 2nd treatment for other 48 hours then do water change and turn skimmer and filter back on. Good luck!
     
  7. Jan 29, 2011 #7
    tuffy1845

    tuffy1845 Inactive User

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    frist off sunlight is a goodthing sedcond listen to jb he no if anything maybe get more water flow
     
  8. Jan 29, 2011 #8
    Mr.Mitchell

    Mr.Mitchell Inactive User

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    JB - Whats the time frame on waiting? should I wait sometime and then try the Chemi Clean that was mentioned prior? Or will time right all my wrongs?
     
  9. Jan 29, 2011 #9
    JB Marion

    JB Veteran Reefkeeper

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    There's no real time frame, every tank is different. All tanks go through a number of phases when they are first setup. Personally, I wouldn't use chemiclean if I was you. In a small system it can do more harm than good and it really treats the symptoms rather than the cause...

    Time and patience are a reefers friend... /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif
     

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