Red slime algae (1 Viewer)

[Jaypilot]

also known as Cyanobacteria. I understand that this red algae is actually more a single celled bacteria then algae but I have a few questions about it.

I understand that this is vary unsightly and that we all want it out of our systems. I also understand that it requires light, nutrients, and CO2 to survive. So with that being said, other then being unsightly is this bad for our aquariums as far as water quality goes.

I have never seen it grow in my reef tank so its not a problem their. but in my breeding tank I have it growing like a weed and of course I do over feed these guys a lot and I also do a lot of water changes. So my questions is even though its unsightly is this bad for my water quality in any way. I always check my water and it always seems to check out just fine.

final question is, if this is bad then how do I get rid of it.

If it can improve my water quality by nutrient export and adding O2 to the water then I will just deal with the unsightlyness of the red slime.

 

[shollaway]

I have it growing in one of my tanks and if anyone has a response to this post I would also be interested to know, I have heard water flow has a lot to do with controlling it and I believe it can cause disease in your other tank inhabitants. Anyone else have any thoughts?

 

[inigomontoya]

I have had it grow on my koralia powerhead so have always been skeptical of water flow as a main culprit. Others can speak more as to the chemistry of it but the obvious bad result in a reef tank is that it will choke out your various corals. If you go to a fish store that is less well maintained you can see many of the corals with red slime causing the flesh to recede and overall health declining. Doing a 3 day lights out is one of the easiest ways to eliminate it, also keeping phosphates low with GFO (and using RODI water).