Red Algae control?

[Jay]

Does anyone have any ideas on the best way to eliminate a red algae infestation? I seem to have it pretty bad in a couple of spots and I hate the little oxygen bubbles it creates. I think I heard that these are nitrate bubbles which can't be good. Is there any particular product I should use or a method to rid the tank of it all together? Input is appreciated.:hmmmm:

 

[pookstreet]

I usually try to avoid using any chemical products to remove anything unless I really have to. If you are talking about red cyano, it could be due to lack of flow in those spots. The easiet way is just to suction it all out and change the flow pattern or add flow to hit those areas. Good luck.

 

[nahtanoj]

the bubbles, are nitrogen, not nitrate, it takes nitrates and converts it to nitrogen. if i start to get a little outbreak, i do a big water change, and cut back on my feeding, that takes care of it. oh and vacuum it out while doing the water change.

 

[Onesaltydawg]

Rick...I second that...Ultra life works well

 

[adam1121]

I cut down my feeding, lighting cycle and did water changes and suctioned out as much as possible. It went away kinda fast. I have heard some bad stuff about the chemicals

 

[Jay]

Thanks everyone, All good suggestions. Perhaps I may be overfeeding a bit and could cut down on light cycle. Have been doing 12 on 12 off with the actincs on for the first and last hour of the light cycle. Perhaps I could allow for 2 hours before and after the main lights come on instead of one. Also might try to position the powerhead in a different spot to hopefully help control the outbreaks. Definately a water change as well. I like to do water changes once a week but it has been about 3 weeks since the last one.

 

[adam1121]

Lol....me too. I keep forgetting to get water...plus im broke so yeah.

 

[nahtanoj]

yep, probably just do to elevated nitrates, not sure, but i don't think light particularly matters to the red slime algae, just nitrates. water change, less food, and you'll have it beat.

 

[Onesaltydawg]

Thanks everyone, All good suggestions. Perhaps I may be overfeeding a bit and could cut down on light cycle. Have been doing 12 on 12 off with the actincs on for the first and last hour of the light cycle. Perhaps I could allow for 2 hours before and after the main lights come on instead of one. Also might try to position the powerhead in a different spot to hopefully help control the outbreaks. Definately a water change as well. I like to do water changes once a week but it has been about 3 weeks since the last one.

scale your light cycle to 8 hours that will help tremedous

 

[Bebo77]

increase flow
add a refugium
do more water changes
feed less
get a better skimmer