Red Algae Problem

Red slime algae is typically a cyanobacter and not really an algae. In the
marine world, it comes mostly from poor water conditions and stagnate water
flow or dead spots.

Check your nutrient levels in the water for Nitrate and phosphate. These
two ingredients are the main culprits to algae growth. If you have high
nitrate, consider reviewing your water changing schedule, feeding amounts
and times as well as your tank livestock level. One good way to think about
it is this: Anything organic that you put in the tank eventually becomes
nitrate. If you aren't removing as much as you put in, your level is
increasing.

If your Nitrate levels aren't high, consider your flow rate. I target my
freshwater flow rates at 6 tanks per hour. That means that I put enough
pump power to move the entire tank volume once every 10 minutes. It may
sound like a lot, but there are lots of things you can do to disburse the
flow to prevent strong current locations. It also helps prevent dead spots,
which is a favorite location for a lot of bad cyanobacter and algae to grow.

Hope this helps,
Justin

"Rob" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi,


I've had a freshwater 10G tank for about a year now. A month or two
after I got the tank red algae (I assume that's what it is) appeared on
the sides of the tank and on the plastic plants (there are no real
plants).


I use a toothbrush to scrape it off the sides of the tank - it comes
off quite easily. Occassionally I'll take out the plastic plants and
wash them in warm water. Again, the red slime comes off easily.


The tank has a flourescent light, though we turn it on infrequently (30
minutes per week).


I've been trying an anti-algacide additive that I purchased at my local
pet store about once per week for the last month - no real help.


Here are some pictures of the tank:


http://www.deercove.org/fishta*nk.htm


Any help greatly appreciated!
Rob.