Red Algae :(

[Dan of New Jersey]

I have had an outbreak of red algae. I am concerned that it may overtake the
tank. I have done frequent water changes...any suggests per remedy... I have
heavy flow, ASM skimmer, and refugium/sump.

Thanks.

Dan

[Pszemol]

"Dan of New Jersey" > wrote in message ink.net...
> I have had an outbreak of red algae. I am concerned that it may overtake the
> tank. I have done frequent water changes...any suggests per remedy... I have
> heavy flow, ASM skimmer, and refugium/sump.

If this is cyanobacteria type frequent and large water changes
usually do not help, but rather encourage the outbreak...
It comes from losing stability - cyano usually attack when
nitrates are relatively low. I would suggest to stop doing
water changes... When I was fighting with high NO3- levels
I did some large water changes (30-40% of volume) and in the
next several days I had severe red cyanobacteria outbreak.
Tell us also, how long this tank has been running, please.

[Dan of New Jersey]

The tank is 5 months old. It is a 90 gallon with approx a 40 gallon sump.
Lights are 2x250 MH and 2x96 PC. Water circulation is approx 2500 gph. Temp
was at 83-84, but now at 79 with installation of new chiller this wkend. 110
lbs lr. Live sand

Fish:
Hippo Tang
2 false clown
1 mandarin
1 flame angel
1 goby

several peppermint shrimp
1 emerald crab
snails.

So far red algae is localized but I have a bad feeling about it...

Thanks.

So far red algae is limited to
"Pszemol" > wrote in message
...
> "Dan of New Jersey" > wrote in message
ink.net...
> > I have had an outbreak of red algae. I am concerned that it may overtake
the
> > tank. I have done frequent water changes...any suggests per remedy... I
have
> > heavy flow, ASM skimmer, and refugium/sump.
>
> If this is cyanobacteria type frequent and large water changes
> usually do not help, but rather encourage the outbreak...
> It comes from losing stability - cyano usually attack when
> nitrates are relatively low. I would suggest to stop doing
> water changes... When I was fighting with high NO3- levels
> I did some large water changes (30-40% of volume) and in the
> next several days I had severe red cyanobacteria outbreak.
> Tell us also, how long this tank has been running, please.

[CapFusion]

"Dan of New Jersey" > wrote in message
ink.net...
> The tank is 5 months old. It is a 90 gallon with approx a 40 gallon sump.
> Lights are 2x250 MH and 2x96 PC. Water circulation is approx 2500 gph.
Temp
> was at 83-84, but now at 79 with installation of new chiller this wkend.
110
> lbs lr. Live sand
>
> Fish:
> Hippo Tang
> 2 false clown
> 1 mandarin
> 1 flame angel
> 1 goby
>
> several peppermint shrimp
> 1 emerald crab
> snails.
>
> So far red algae is localized but I have a bad feeling about it...
>
> Thanks.
>
> So far red algae is limited to


I do not quite see the problem or the cause.
Please indicate your water reading / parameter of your tank.
Check your water that you use to do the water changes.
What do you feed your tank with? And how often?

CapFusion,...

[Simon O'Keeffe]

The problem is the mandarin.
This will be hammering your isopods and amphopods and your other LR and
DSB critters.
These little guys are the best clean up crew in our tanks. They love
diatoms and cyno' dyno' filamentous algae and detritus. They go harder
then snails hermits and urchins and can regulate their population to
almost any amount of algae if they are not being preyed upon.
While mandarin fish are very beautiful they are about the worst
inhabitant for a reef. The micro fauna (pods plankton etc) also provide
a feed for the corals as they reproduce almost constantly.
Remove the mandarin and light up your refugium with a 250w MH. You don;t
need to seed it with macro algae, just let the micro algae grow and
remove some once a week.
Have the sump light on for 16-20 hrs per day, and have it on mainly when
the display lights are off.
I got a lot of my MH gear second hand, they are just a hydroponics grow
lights I paid about $80 australian for them. I still use the same bulb a
4000k years later and it still grows algae well.
The idea is, that the lighting in the sump is better suited for growing
algae than the lights in the main tank and hopefully the algae will grow
in the 'fuge first, leaving the water stripped of nutrients so the main
tank remains relatively algae free.

Simon



Dan of New Jersey wrote:

>I have had an outbreak of red algae. I am concerned that it may overtake the
>tank. I have done frequent water changes...any suggests per remedy... I have
>heavy flow, ASM skimmer, and refugium/sump.
>
>Thanks.
>
>Dan
>
>
>
>

[Dan of New Jersey]

That is very interesting. I hate to give him (mandarin) up though. I can
intensify my refugium and see if it helps. What you are saying,
unfortunately, makes sense....


"Simon O'Keeffe" > wrote in message
...
> The problem is the mandarin.
> This will be hammering your isopods and amphopods and your other LR and
> DSB critters.
> These little guys are the best clean up crew in our tanks. They love
> diatoms and cyno' dyno' filamentous algae and detritus. They go harder
> then snails hermits and urchins and can regulate their population to
> almost any amount of algae if they are not being preyed upon.
> While mandarin fish are very beautiful they are about the worst
> inhabitant for a reef. The micro fauna (pods plankton etc) also provide
> a feed for the corals as they reproduce almost constantly.
> Remove the mandarin and light up your refugium with a 250w MH. You don;t
> need to seed it with macro algae, just let the micro algae grow and
> remove some once a week.
> Have the sump light on for 16-20 hrs per day, and have it on mainly when
> the display lights are off.
> I got a lot of my MH gear second hand, they are just a hydroponics grow
> lights I paid about $80 australian for them. I still use the same bulb a
> 4000k years later and it still grows algae well.
> The idea is, that the lighting in the sump is better suited for growing
> algae than the lights in the main tank and hopefully the algae will grow
> in the 'fuge first, leaving the water stripped of nutrients so the main
> tank remains relatively algae free.
>
> Simon
>
>
>
> Dan of New Jersey wrote:
>
> >I have had an outbreak of red algae. I am concerned that it may overtake
the
> >tank. I have done frequent water changes...any suggests per remedy... I
have
> >heavy flow, ASM skimmer, and refugium/sump.
> >
> >Thanks.
> >
> >Dan
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

[Scott Bennett]

I've had a similar problem I'm looking for solutions on. 75 Gallon, 100
lbs LR, 2" LS, 7 month old tank.

Parameters: Nitrates 0, Nitrite 0, Ammonia 0, Ph 8.3, Phosphates <0.05
(hard to tell exact reading/color from test kit), SG 1.024, Millenium
power filter, Remora Pro protein skimmer, 2 295GPH power heads, 4x96W
power compacts. I use RO water.

Life: 1 Coral Beauty Angel, 2 clowns, 1 lawnmower blennie, 1 royal
gramma, 1 pajama cardinal, 50ish snails, 10 red-leg hermits, 2 cleaner
shrimp, 1 fire shrimp, 1 peppermint shrimp, 2 emerald crab, 2 porcelain
crab, 1 black sea cucumber. The hermits and half the snails are new, the
others didn't seem to be doing the trick.

I've had algae problems for 5 months... initially a lot of slime cyano
and green hair algae, which has largely been eliminated. But I can't get
rid of a type of red algae (it looks like cotton candy rather than cyano,
but I can't find a good ID picture on wetwebmedia.com), which is all over
my rock, especially in bottom 1/2 of tank. I've been doing 2x/week water
changes, usually of about 10 gallons each (so over 10% 2x/wk). The only
reason I thought the algae hasn't taken over is that I've been vacuuming
it out; it grows back in 3-4-5 days to where it was before. I've taken
out and scrubbed some of the rock, and stuff re-grows. Pszemol wrote
that water changes can cause the problem, but mentioned out of balance,
and the water params all look good. I'm adding another pump and SCWD for
more water movement, but I'm frustrated... Any ideas?



"Dan of New Jersey" > wrote in
ink.net:

> I have had an outbreak of red algae. I am concerned that it may
> overtake the tank. I have done frequent water changes...any suggests
> per remedy... I have heavy flow, ASM skimmer, and refugium/sump.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Dan
>
>

[Richard Reynolds]

> That is very interesting. I hate to give him (mandarin) up though. I can
> intensify my refugium and see if it helps. What you are saying,
> unfortunately, makes sense....

alternatively you can buy one of several different starter pod kits to get a jump start on
the pods
its $ but its not so bad there are several places that will sell you either individualy
packaged by species pods or a starter kit with several.

--
Richard Reynolds

[Dan of New Jersey]

I have a refugium, and there a literally thousands of copepods (tiny dot
like organisms) swarming. I don't think that this is necessary though I
appreciate the thought...


"Richard Reynolds" > wrote in message
news:OVhmc.29357$6L3.1004@fed1read05...
> > That is very interesting. I hate to give him (mandarin) up though. I
can
> > intensify my refugium and see if it helps. What you are saying,
> > unfortunately, makes sense....
>
> alternatively you can buy one of several different starter pod kits to get
a jump start on
> the pods
> its $ but its not so bad there are several places that will sell you
either individualy
> packaged by species pods or a starter kit with several.
>
> --
> Richard Reynolds
>
>
>

[Marc Levenson]

For Cyano, you need to siphon out all you can. It is a bacteria rather than an
algae. Once you've removed the majority, the rest tends to fade away within a
week. Keep your skimmer running at peak efficiency, which means cleaning it
well quite often.

For the cottony algae, read this article:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-12/nftt/index.htm

Marc


Scott Bennett wrote:

> I've had a similar problem I'm looking for solutions on. 75 Gallon, 100
> lbs LR, 2" LS, 7 month old tank.
>
> Parameters: Nitrates 0, Nitrite 0, Ammonia 0, Ph 8.3, Phosphates <0.05
> (hard to tell exact reading/color from test kit), SG 1.024, Millenium
> power filter, Remora Pro protein skimmer, 2 295GPH power heads, 4x96W
> power compacts. I use RO water.
>
> Life: 1 Coral Beauty Angel, 2 clowns, 1 lawnmower blennie, 1 royal
> gramma, 1 pajama cardinal, 50ish snails, 10 red-leg hermits, 2 cleaner
> shrimp, 1 fire shrimp, 1 peppermint shrimp, 2 emerald crab, 2 porcelain
> crab, 1 black sea cucumber. The hermits and half the snails are new, the
> others didn't seem to be doing the trick.
>
> I've had algae problems for 5 months... initially a lot of slime cyano
> and green hair algae, which has largely been eliminated. But I can't get
> rid of a type of red algae (it looks like cotton candy rather than cyano,
> but I can't find a good ID picture on wetwebmedia.com), which is all over
> my rock, especially in bottom 1/2 of tank. I've been doing 2x/week water
> changes, usually of about 10 gallons each (so over 10% 2x/wk). The only
> reason I thought the algae hasn't taken over is that I've been vacuuming
> it out; it grows back in 3-4-5 days to where it was before. I've taken
> out and scrubbed some of the rock, and stuff re-grows. Pszemol wrote
> that water changes can cause the problem, but mentioned out of balance,
> and the water params all look good. I'm adding another pump and SCWD for
> more water movement, but I'm frustrated... Any ideas?
>
> "Dan of New Jersey" > wrote in
> ink.net:
>
> > I have had an outbreak of red algae. I am concerned that it may
> > overtake the tank. I have done frequent water changes...any suggests
> > per remedy... I have heavy flow, ASM skimmer, and refugium/sump.
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Dan
> >
> >

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

[jcassara]

Consider Phosphate and silica in exchange water. Use R/O or
Deionizer (Tap Water Purifier) and a phosphate sponge. Turn
off your lights for a day or two and reduce the lighting
duration once you turn them back on. Macro-Algae in the sump
with 24 hour lighting will help in the long run. Prune it as
it grows!

John
90 Gal reef
Bin there Dun that!


"Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
...
> For Cyano, you need to siphon out all you can. It is a
bacteria rather than an
> algae. Once you've removed the majority, the rest tends
to fade away within a
> week. Keep your skimmer running at peak efficiency, which
means cleaning it
> well quite often.
>
> For the cottony algae, read this article:
> http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-12/nftt/index.htm
>
> Marc
>
>
> Scott Bennett wrote:
>
> > I've had a similar problem I'm looking for solutions on.
75 Gallon, 100
> > lbs LR, 2" LS, 7 month old tank.
> >
> > Parameters: Nitrates 0, Nitrite 0, Ammonia 0, Ph 8.3,
Phosphates <0.05
> > (hard to tell exact reading/color from test kit), SG
1.024, Millenium
> > power filter, Remora Pro protein skimmer, 2 295GPH power
heads, 4x96W
> > power compacts. I use RO water.
> >
> > Life: 1 Coral Beauty Angel, 2 clowns, 1 lawnmower
blennie, 1 royal
> > gramma, 1 pajama cardinal, 50ish snails, 10 red-leg
hermits, 2 cleaner
> > shrimp, 1 fire shrimp, 1 peppermint shrimp, 2 emerald
crab, 2 porcelain
> > crab, 1 black sea cucumber. The hermits and half the
snails are new, the
> > others didn't seem to be doing the trick.
> >
> > I've had algae problems for 5 months... initially a lot
of slime cyano
> > and green hair algae, which has largely been eliminated.
But I can't get
> > rid of a type of red algae (it looks like cotton candy
rather than cyano,
> > but I can't find a good ID picture on wetwebmedia.com),
which is all over
> > my rock, especially in bottom 1/2 of tank. I've been
doing 2x/week water
> > changes, usually of about 10 gallons each (so over 10%
2x/wk). The only
> > reason I thought the algae hasn't taken over is that
I've been vacuuming
> > it out; it grows back in 3-4-5 days to where it was
before. I've taken
> > out and scrubbed some of the rock, and stuff re-grows.
Pszemol wrote
> > that water changes can cause the problem, but mentioned
out of balance,
> > and the water params all look good. I'm adding another
pump and SCWD for
> > more water movement, but I'm frustrated... Any ideas?
> >
> > "Dan of New Jersey" > wrote in
> >
ink.net:
> >
> > > I have had an outbreak of red algae. I am concerned
that it may
> > > overtake the tank. I have done frequent water
changes...any suggests
> > > per remedy... I have heavy flow, ASM skimmer, and
refugium/sump.
> > >
> > > Thanks.
> > >
> > > Dan
> > >
> > >
>
> --
> Personal Page:
http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
> Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
> Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com
>
>

[Dan of New Jersey]

I will look into phosphate and silica in exchange water, I use "argamight"
in ro/di water to return trace elements and Ca to water. It does not include
phosphate. Additionally, I will get a few Mexican turbo snails and wait and
see...

Thanks to all.

Dan


"jcassara" > wrote in message
.net...
> Consider Phosphate and silica in exchange water. Use R/O or
> Deionizer (Tap Water Purifier) and a phosphate sponge. Turn
> off your lights for a day or two and reduce the lighting
> duration once you turn them back on. Macro-Algae in the sump
> with 24 hour lighting will help in the long run. Prune it as
> it grows!
>
> John
> 90 Gal reef
> Bin there Dun that!
>
>
> "Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
> ...
> > For Cyano, you need to siphon out all you can. It is a
> bacteria rather than an
> > algae. Once you've removed the majority, the rest tends
> to fade away within a
> > week. Keep your skimmer running at peak efficiency, which
> means cleaning it
> > well quite often.
> >
> > For the cottony algae, read this article:
> > http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-12/nftt/index.htm
> >
> > Marc
> >
> >
> > Scott Bennett wrote:
> >
> > > I've had a similar problem I'm looking for solutions on.
> 75 Gallon, 100
> > > lbs LR, 2" LS, 7 month old tank.
> > >
> > > Parameters: Nitrates 0, Nitrite 0, Ammonia 0, Ph 8.3,
> Phosphates <0.05
> > > (hard to tell exact reading/color from test kit), SG
> 1.024, Millenium
> > > power filter, Remora Pro protein skimmer, 2 295GPH power
> heads, 4x96W
> > > power compacts. I use RO water.
> > >
> > > Life: 1 Coral Beauty Angel, 2 clowns, 1 lawnmower
> blennie, 1 royal
> > > gramma, 1 pajama cardinal, 50ish snails, 10 red-leg
> hermits, 2 cleaner
> > > shrimp, 1 fire shrimp, 1 peppermint shrimp, 2 emerald
> crab, 2 porcelain
> > > crab, 1 black sea cucumber. The hermits and half the
> snails are new, the
> > > others didn't seem to be doing the trick.
> > >
> > > I've had algae problems for 5 months... initially a lot
> of slime cyano
> > > and green hair algae, which has largely been eliminated.
> But I can't get
> > > rid of a type of red algae (it looks like cotton candy
> rather than cyano,
> > > but I can't find a good ID picture on wetwebmedia.com),
> which is all over
> > > my rock, especially in bottom 1/2 of tank. I've been
> doing 2x/week water
> > > changes, usually of about 10 gallons each (so over 10%
> 2x/wk). The only
> > > reason I thought the algae hasn't taken over is that
> I've been vacuuming
> > > it out; it grows back in 3-4-5 days to where it was
> before. I've taken
> > > out and scrubbed some of the rock, and stuff re-grows.
> Pszemol wrote
> > > that water changes can cause the problem, but mentioned
> out of balance,
> > > and the water params all look good. I'm adding another
> pump and SCWD for
> > > more water movement, but I'm frustrated... Any ideas?
> > >
> > > "Dan of New Jersey" > wrote in
> > >
> ink.net:
> > >
> > > > I have had an outbreak of red algae. I am concerned
> that it may
> > > > overtake the tank. I have done frequent water
> changes...any suggests
> > > > per remedy... I have heavy flow, ASM skimmer, and
> refugium/sump.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks.
> > > >
> > > > Dan
> > > >
> > > >
> >
> > --
> > Personal Page:
> http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
> > Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
> > Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com
> >
> >
>
>

[Robert L]

Hey Dan... I would not ditch the mandarin just yet.. Throw some "phosguard"
in the sump in a filter bag. Im guessing phosphates. IME phosphate +
nitrates = cyano. Reguardless of water change hisotory...... check the
nitrates.

Robert L




"Dan of New Jersey" > wrote in message
nk.net...
> I will look into phosphate and silica in exchange water, I use "argamight"
> in ro/di water to return trace elements and Ca to water. It does not
include
> phosphate. Additionally, I will get a few Mexican turbo snails and wait
and
> see...
>
> Thanks to all.
>
> Dan
>
>
> "jcassara" > wrote in message
> .net...
> > Consider Phosphate and silica in exchange water. Use R/O or
> > Deionizer (Tap Water Purifier) and a phosphate sponge. Turn
> > off your lights for a day or two and reduce the lighting
> > duration once you turn them back on. Macro-Algae in the sump
> > with 24 hour lighting will help in the long run. Prune it as
> > it grows!
> >
> > John
> > 90 Gal reef
> > Bin there Dun that!
> >
> >
> > "Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > For Cyano, you need to siphon out all you can. It is a
> > bacteria rather than an
> > > algae. Once you've removed the majority, the rest tends
> > to fade away within a
> > > week. Keep your skimmer running at peak efficiency, which
> > means cleaning it
> > > well quite often.
> > >
> > > For the cottony algae, read this article:
> > > http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-12/nftt/index.htm
> > >
> > > Marc
> > >
> > >
> > > Scott Bennett wrote:
> > >
> > > > I've had a similar problem I'm looking for solutions on.
> > 75 Gallon, 100
> > > > lbs LR, 2" LS, 7 month old tank.
> > > >
> > > > Parameters: Nitrates 0, Nitrite 0, Ammonia 0, Ph 8.3,
> > Phosphates <0.05
> > > > (hard to tell exact reading/color from test kit), SG
> > 1.024, Millenium
> > > > power filter, Remora Pro protein skimmer, 2 295GPH power
> > heads, 4x96W
> > > > power compacts. I use RO water.
> > > >
> > > > Life: 1 Coral Beauty Angel, 2 clowns, 1 lawnmower
> > blennie, 1 royal
> > > > gramma, 1 pajama cardinal, 50ish snails, 10 red-leg
> > hermits, 2 cleaner
> > > > shrimp, 1 fire shrimp, 1 peppermint shrimp, 2 emerald
> > crab, 2 porcelain
> > > > crab, 1 black sea cucumber. The hermits and half the
> > snails are new, the
> > > > others didn't seem to be doing the trick.
> > > >
> > > > I've had algae problems for 5 months... initially a lot
> > of slime cyano
> > > > and green hair algae, which has largely been eliminated.
> > But I can't get
> > > > rid of a type of red algae (it looks like cotton candy
> > rather than cyano,
> > > > but I can't find a good ID picture on wetwebmedia.com),
> > which is all over
> > > > my rock, especially in bottom 1/2 of tank. I've been
> > doing 2x/week water
> > > > changes, usually of about 10 gallons each (so over 10%
> > 2x/wk). The only
> > > > reason I thought the algae hasn't taken over is that
> > I've been vacuuming
> > > > it out; it grows back in 3-4-5 days to where it was
> > before. I've taken
> > > > out and scrubbed some of the rock, and stuff re-grows.
> > Pszemol wrote
> > > > that water changes can cause the problem, but mentioned
> > out of balance,
> > > > and the water params all look good. I'm adding another
> > pump and SCWD for
> > > > more water movement, but I'm frustrated... Any ideas?
> > > >
> > > > "Dan of New Jersey" > wrote in
> > > >
> > ink.net:
> > > >
> > > > > I have had an outbreak of red algae. I am concerned
> > that it may
> > > > > overtake the tank. I have done frequent water
> > changes...any suggests
> > > > > per remedy... I have heavy flow, ASM skimmer, and
> > refugium/sump.
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks.
> > > > >
> > > > > Dan
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Personal Page:
> > http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
> > > Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
> > > Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[CapFusion]

Normally, if he using a RO or RO/DI to do water changes, phosphate should
not be detect. I am still waiting what type of water he use to do the water
changes.

CapFusion,...



"Robert L" > wrote in message
...
> Hey Dan... I would not ditch the mandarin just yet.. Throw some
"phosguard"
> in the sump in a filter bag. Im guessing phosphates. IME phosphate +
> nitrates = cyano. Reguardless of water change hisotory...... check the
> nitrates.
>
> Robert L
>
>
>
>
> "Dan of New Jersey" > wrote in message
> nk.net...
> > I will look into phosphate and silica in exchange water, I use
"argamight"
> > in ro/di water to return trace elements and Ca to water. It does not
> include
> > phosphate. Additionally, I will get a few Mexican turbo snails and wait
> and
> > see...
> >
> > Thanks to all.
> >
> > Dan
> >
> >
> > "jcassara" > wrote in message
> > .net...
> > > Consider Phosphate and silica in exchange water. Use R/O or
> > > Deionizer (Tap Water Purifier) and a phosphate sponge. Turn
> > > off your lights for a day or two and reduce the lighting
> > > duration once you turn them back on. Macro-Algae in the sump
> > > with 24 hour lighting will help in the long run. Prune it as
> > > it grows!
> > >
> > > John
> > > 90 Gal reef
> > > Bin there Dun that!
> > >
> > >
> > > "Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > For Cyano, you need to siphon out all you can. It is a
> > > bacteria rather than an
> > > > algae. Once you've removed the majority, the rest tends
> > > to fade away within a
> > > > week. Keep your skimmer running at peak efficiency, which
> > > means cleaning it
> > > > well quite often.
> > > >
> > > > For the cottony algae, read this article:
> > > > http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-12/nftt/index.htm
> > > >
> > > > Marc
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Scott Bennett wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > I've had a similar problem I'm looking for solutions on.
> > > 75 Gallon, 100
> > > > > lbs LR, 2" LS, 7 month old tank.
> > > > >
> > > > > Parameters: Nitrates 0, Nitrite 0, Ammonia 0, Ph 8.3,
> > > Phosphates <0.05
> > > > > (hard to tell exact reading/color from test kit), SG
> > > 1.024, Millenium
> > > > > power filter, Remora Pro protein skimmer, 2 295GPH power
> > > heads, 4x96W
> > > > > power compacts. I use RO water.
> > > > >
> > > > > Life: 1 Coral Beauty Angel, 2 clowns, 1 lawnmower
> > > blennie, 1 royal
> > > > > gramma, 1 pajama cardinal, 50ish snails, 10 red-leg
> > > hermits, 2 cleaner
> > > > > shrimp, 1 fire shrimp, 1 peppermint shrimp, 2 emerald
> > > crab, 2 porcelain
> > > > > crab, 1 black sea cucumber. The hermits and half the
> > > snails are new, the
> > > > > others didn't seem to be doing the trick.
> > > > >
> > > > > I've had algae problems for 5 months... initially a lot
> > > of slime cyano
> > > > > and green hair algae, which has largely been eliminated.
> > > But I can't get
> > > > > rid of a type of red algae (it looks like cotton candy
> > > rather than cyano,
> > > > > but I can't find a good ID picture on wetwebmedia.com),
> > > which is all over
> > > > > my rock, especially in bottom 1/2 of tank. I've been
> > > doing 2x/week water
> > > > > changes, usually of about 10 gallons each (so over 10%
> > > 2x/wk). The only
> > > > > reason I thought the algae hasn't taken over is that
> > > I've been vacuuming
> > > > > it out; it grows back in 3-4-5 days to where it was
> > > before. I've taken
> > > > > out and scrubbed some of the rock, and stuff re-grows.
> > > Pszemol wrote
> > > > > that water changes can cause the problem, but mentioned
> > > out of balance,
> > > > > and the water params all look good. I'm adding another
> > > pump and SCWD for
> > > > > more water movement, but I'm frustrated... Any ideas?
> > > > >
> > > > > "Dan of New Jersey" > wrote in
> > > > >
> > > ink.net:
> > > > >
> > > > > > I have had an outbreak of red algae. I am concerned
> > > that it may
> > > > > > overtake the tank. I have done frequent water
> > > changes...any suggests
> > > > > > per remedy... I have heavy flow, ASM skimmer, and
> > > refugium/sump.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Thanks.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Dan
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Personal Page:
> > > http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
> > > > Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
> > > > Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Boomer]

Even if there are 0 phosphates it is not a guarantee of no CyanoBacteria.

As far as AragaMIGHT goes, I don't think of it much, as does Randy.

Please read these

About AragaMIGHT, scroll down
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/july2002/chem.htm

Phosphate in the Reef Tank
http://www.aquariumfish.com/aquariumfish/detail.aspx?aid=2276
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2002/chem.htm


"it looks like cotton candy rather than cyano"

Send me a pic if you can

remove the _nospam_from the e-mail address


--
Boomer

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http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/index.php

Want to See More ?
Please Join Our Growing Membership
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If You See Me Running You Better Catch-Up
"Dan of New Jersey" > wrote in message
ink.net...
: I have had an outbreak of red algae. I am concerned that it may overtake the
: tank. I have done frequent water changes...any suggests per remedy... I have
: heavy flow, ASM skimmer, and refugium/sump.
:
: Thanks.
:
: Dan
:
:

[CapFusion]

Yep, there no guarantee but better not to have phosphate in the equation.

As for AragaMIGHT, I don't think I ever use it to have any experience with
it. My suggestion to the OP is not to use it. Unless you know what you
adding / doing of course.

During the meantime, better to suck / prune / clean the PS regularly to
combat those algae. Do water changes with RO/DI and check your salt mix. And
feed your tank less and see if algae slowly or gradually dissipating. Try
aiming some [Not Directly to cause sand storm] current where algae reside to
get it circulate so the PS can take a crack at it.

You indicate you have the following -
"heavy flow, ASM skimmer, and refugium/sump"
Heavy Flow -
Good to have good flow but better if the flow is helping you to remove or
left nutrient out and export to another location other then moving around in
your main tank.
ASM Skimmer -
Is it dirty or need cleaning? If need to be clean, then there no point of
having a PS in the first place.
Refugium / Sump -
Is the refugium growing any algae? There should be alot of algae growth or
should look like a dense forest.
Is sump look dirty? If not, that is not right. Any or all nutrient should be
coming in from your tank and waiting to be process by your PS and the good
product water should export out / back to the main tank.

CapFusion,...



"Boomer" > wrote in message
...
> Even if there are 0 phosphates it is not a guarantee of no CyanoBacteria.
>
> As far as AragaMIGHT goes, I don't think of it much, as does Randy.
>
> Please read these
>
> About AragaMIGHT, scroll down
> http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/july2002/chem.htm
>
> Phosphate in the Reef Tank
> http://www.aquariumfish.com/aquariumfish/detail.aspx?aid=2276
> http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2002/chem.htm
>
>
> "it looks like cotton candy rather than cyano"
>
> Send me a pic if you can
>
> remove the _nospam_from the e-mail address
>
>
> --
> Boomer
>
> Want to talk chemistry ? The Reef Chemistry Forum
> http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/index.php
>
> Want to See More ?
> Please Join Our Growing Membership
> www.coralrealm.com
>
> If You See Me Running You Better Catch-Up
> "Dan of New Jersey" > wrote in message
> ink.net...
> : I have had an outbreak of red algae. I am concerned that it may overtake
the
> : tank. I have done frequent water changes...any suggests per remedy... I
have
> : heavy flow, ASM skimmer, and refugium/sump.
> :
> : Thanks.
> :
> : Dan
> :
> :
>
>

[Simon O'Keeffe]

Have you got that MH over the fuge yet?
Maybe you need a 400w in there. This is what I use instead of a PS.
Simon

>
>
>

[Dan of New Jersey]

No, I have NO florescent at the moment. My refugium is pretty clear, I could
probably use more algae growth. I'll consider hooking up a HomeDepot like
400 mh setup...I have to look into costs. I'm definitely going for the
Mexican Turbo Snails.


"Simon O'Keeffe" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> Have you got that MH over the fuge yet?
> Maybe you need a 400w in there. This is what I use instead of a PS.
> Simon
>
> >
> >
> >
>

[Boomer]

"Good to have good flow "

Speaking of heavy flow, this often works to control/reduce cyano, by placing a powerhead
at the area. That is if it is cyano.

--
Boomer

Want to talk chemistry ? The Reef Chemistry Forum
http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/index.php

Want to See More ?
Please Join Our Growing Membership
www.coralrealm.com

If You See Me Running You Better Catch-Up
"CapFusion" <CapFusion...@hotmail..,com> wrote in message
...
: Yep, there no guarantee but better not to have phosphate in the equation.
:
: As for AragaMIGHT, I don't think I ever use it to have any experience with
: it. My suggestion to the OP is not to use it. Unless you know what you
: adding / doing of course.
:
: During the meantime, better to suck / prune / clean the PS regularly to
: combat those algae. Do water changes with RO/DI and check your salt mix. And
: feed your tank less and see if algae slowly or gradually dissipating. Try
: aiming some [Not Directly to cause sand storm] current where algae reside to
: get it circulate so the PS can take a crack at it.
:
: You indicate you have the following -
: "heavy flow, ASM skimmer, and refugium/sump"
: Heavy Flow -
: Good to have good flow but better if the flow is helping you to remove or
: left nutrient out and export to another location other then moving around in
: your main tank.
: ASM Skimmer -
: Is it dirty or need cleaning? If need to be clean, then there no point of
: having a PS in the first place.
: Refugium / Sump -
: Is the refugium growing any algae? There should be alot of algae growth or
: should look like a dense forest.
: Is sump look dirty? If not, that is not right. Any or all nutrient should be
: coming in from your tank and waiting to be process by your PS and the good
: product water should export out / back to the main tank.
:
: CapFusion,...
:
:
:
: "Boomer" > wrote in message
: ...
: > Even if there are 0 phosphates it is not a guarantee of no CyanoBacteria.
: >
: > As far as AragaMIGHT goes, I don't think of it much, as does Randy.
: >
: > Please read these
: >
: > About AragaMIGHT, scroll down
: > http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/july2002/chem.htm
: >
: > Phosphate in the Reef Tank
: > http://www.aquariumfish.com/aquariumfish/detail.aspx?aid=2276
: > http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2002/chem.htm
: >
: >
: > "it looks like cotton candy rather than cyano"
: >
: > Send me a pic if you can
: >
: > remove the _nospam_from the e-mail address
: >
: >
: > --
: > Boomer
: >
: > Want to talk chemistry ? The Reef Chemistry Forum
: > http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/index.php
: >
: > Want to See More ?
: > Please Join Our Growing Membership
: > www.coralrealm.com
: >
: > If You See Me Running You Better Catch-Up
: > "Dan of New Jersey" > wrote in message
: > ink.net...
: > : I have had an outbreak of red algae. I am concerned that it may overtake
: the
: > : tank. I have done frequent water changes...any suggests per remedy... I
: have
: > : heavy flow, ASM skimmer, and refugium/sump.
: > :
: > : Thanks.
: > :
: > : Dan
: > :
: > :
: >
: >
:
:

[CapFusion]

"Dan of New Jersey" > wrote in message
.net...
> No, I have NO florescent at the moment. My refugium is pretty clear, I
could
> probably use more algae growth. I'll consider hooking up a HomeDepot like
> 400 mh setup...I have to look into costs. I'm definitely going for the
> Mexican Turbo Snails.

Refugium should not be clear but dense with algae. It should resemble a
tropical forest so-to-speak. You need to export your nutrient from your main
tank to your refugium / sump.

Get some light to promote algae growth.

CapFusion,...

[CapFusion]

"Boomer" > wrote in message
...
> "Good to have good flow "
>
> Speaking of heavy flow, this often works to control/reduce cyano, by
placing a powerhead
> at the area. That is if it is cyano.
>

Heavy Flow should be the key here in Dan case. But he need to use it
correctly [Heehe] or use it wisely.

CapFusion,...

[wolf]

But i would still ask the same thing as Cap Fusion. I had algae problems
until months after last addition of too many nutrients. What kind of
nutrients do you add? And maybe stop adding anything until the problem goes
away. If you vacuum it, it will stop eating the nutrients and that may
prolong the problem. Water circulation is crucial so that the converted
nutrients can be expelled form the water thrugh gas exchange.


"CapFusion" <CapFusion...@hotmail..,com> wrote in message
...
>
> "Boomer" > wrote in message
> ...
> > "Good to have good flow "
> >
> > Speaking of heavy flow, this often works to control/reduce cyano, by
> placing a powerhead
> > at the area. That is if it is cyano.
> >
>
> Heavy Flow should be the key here in Dan case. But he need to use it
> correctly [Heehe] or use it wisely.
>
> CapFusion,...
>
>