Red Velvet alge

[fishcrazy]

I've had my nano cube set up for about 2 months and the only thing that seems to be growing is this darn red velvetty looking alge. I have to take my rocks out about every 3 or 4 days to scub it off. Any recommendations on how to get ride of it?

[Shark_Bait]

Check your phospahates. For me that has been the culprit. What are you scubbing the rocks with? Could also be circulation red slime seems to like the dead zones in my tank.
I'm sure someone will chime in here with some technical answer but that's where I would start.


Oh and welcome to MAAST, where are you located?

[Ping]

The red slime you are removing is most likely cynobacteria. It is common in a newly set up tank. Also for many of us here at MAAST, we are in a constant battle with it. It is from excess Phosphate.

Do you use R/O water?

At what stage of the Ammonia / nitrogen cycle are you in?

Some of this goes away with time as your aquarium matures. But maybe not all. Many local pet stores sell products that will help with excess phoshates.

Cyno also does not like high flow.

[Marlin]

I had it in my tank that was doing great for almost 2 years. It suddenly appeared for no apparent reason. All parameters were good. I used Boyd Enterprises CHEMI-CLEAN and it was gone in 48 hours. Just follow the directions to the tee.
I am told that it likes to form in areas that have low circulation of water. You might want to improve water flow in your tank.

Rick

[demodiki]

Chemi Clean is a nice way to get a jump on it but you also have to make sure you are dealing with whatever is dishing out the phosphates. Some common culprits are water and food.

At 2 months I am not sure I would worry too much right now. Make sure you are manually removing whatever cyano you can see.

[fishcrazy]

I have good flow but it does seem to be in areas were the flow is less. I feed brine shimp and marine flakes so I'm not sure what could cause the phosphates. I'll give the chemi clean a try. Thanks!