In this article we will be looking at ways to exterminate red algae from a marine tank.
So let us identify the enemy. Red algae is frequently identified as red slime algae in the hobby. Like spirulina, it is in point of fact a cyanobacteria, not an algae.
They form a mats that finally coat large parts of the tank. Together with hair algae, dinoflagellates and brown diatoms, these four are the many frequent algae pests in the marine aquarium hobby.
Chemical removers enjoy brisk sales just because most hobbyists are looking for a quick fix. But they normally fail because such products do not address the source of the problem.
Higher than suggested nutrient levels are the primary reason why hobbyists deal with these nuisance algae on a regular basis. So we start by looking at ways to lessen said nutrients in our aquariums.
We will be trying to hugely lower nitrates and phosphates. Both nitrates and phosphates are fueled by fish waste, detritus and uneaten food.
Lowering the quantity fed and regularity of feedings will help lessen waste in the tank. Remove as much cyanobacteria as you can from the tank.
Also eliminate any fish waste, detritus and uneaten food that you find. We have got to get your nitrate readings to zero and that is done by water changes, as many as necessary.
Getting rid of phosphates is much easier than water changes thankfully. PO4 extermination media such as Phosguard and Phosban must bring your phosphate levels to zero in about 48 hours.
Copious red slime algae growth might be connected to your lighting set up as well. Light emitted from older bulbs tend to give out a quantity of red light.
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Intensify water flow right through the tank, especially around regions with especially low flow, red slime algae does not do well in excessive flow spots. Expect this elimination process to take up to a month or more but most importantly, be patient. - 29953
So let us identify the enemy. Red algae is frequently identified as red slime algae in the hobby. Like spirulina, it is in point of fact a cyanobacteria, not an algae.
They form a mats that finally coat large parts of the tank. Together with hair algae, dinoflagellates and brown diatoms, these four are the many frequent algae pests in the marine aquarium hobby.
Chemical removers enjoy brisk sales just because most hobbyists are looking for a quick fix. But they normally fail because such products do not address the source of the problem.
Higher than suggested nutrient levels are the primary reason why hobbyists deal with these nuisance algae on a regular basis. So we start by looking at ways to lessen said nutrients in our aquariums.
We will be trying to hugely lower nitrates and phosphates. Both nitrates and phosphates are fueled by fish waste, detritus and uneaten food.
Lowering the quantity fed and regularity of feedings will help lessen waste in the tank. Remove as much cyanobacteria as you can from the tank.
Also eliminate any fish waste, detritus and uneaten food that you find. We have got to get your nitrate readings to zero and that is done by water changes, as many as necessary.
Getting rid of phosphates is much easier than water changes thankfully. PO4 extermination media such as Phosguard and Phosban must bring your phosphate levels to zero in about 48 hours.
Copious red slime algae growth might be connected to your lighting set up as well. Light emitted from older bulbs tend to give out a quantity of red light.
.
Intensify water flow right through the tank, especially around regions with especially low flow, red slime algae does not do well in excessive flow spots. Expect this elimination process to take up to a month or more but most importantly, be patient. - 29953
About the Author:
Cyanobacteria Control plus Hair Algae Control are 2 fields that Gabriela De Souyez has had extensive practice in, red slime algae along with hair algae control. She has a number of hubpages along with websites dealing with all things saltwater aquariums. Pay a visit to these sites by clicking on the links that are highlighted.
