Confused

[MissouriReef]

Ok i am working on trying to take a good picture so that i can show what i am really asking about, however my liverock have recently become covered with a thick red algae like substance, however none of my cleaning crew are munching on it. That leads me to think that it might not be algae. So until i get the pics, any idea on what it is or how to fix?

[Scoffer]

sounds like red cyno.... theres a much bigger word for it than that....but its late.... and I'm tired. but it looks like a red velt blanket over stuff...comes off like skin, but real easy...

lots of reading on it....sounds like po4 and no3 's are off.....

anyone else ???


Sco

[4G1v3N]

Prob Coraline but pic would tell better. Coraline=good!

[Dyngoe]

Since it appeared quickly and your cleaner crew won't touch it, it sounds like cyanobacteria. Not a big problem if you get in under control. Just add some nitrate and phosphate remover to your tank. Clean the stuff off with a brish and try to collect it as it comes off. Check you lights. If they are over 9 months old, replace them. This is all you can really do. Don;t worry, it may get worse but if you take the previous steps it should be fine in a few weeks. BTW, I'm assuming you are using RO water. If not, there is probably not much you'll be able to do quickly. Tap water is loaded with POS.

[coral reefer]

try using carbon as well to help clear up and remove toxins etc. in your water. Replace it frequently and use small amounts rather than large ones, as it will be more beneficial!

[turbo4603]

make sure you use tap water when you do top off and waterchanges, it helps alot prevent the red slime, or cyanobacteria. i used before this product called chemiclean, but after a couple of times using it, i found it more efective just doing small waterchanges every week until theres no more.

[nemo79]

If it's bubbly or slimy it's cyno, if it's turf or fuzzy like, it's an algae. I read that scarlet hermit will eat cyno so you may want to get some of them, also check your flow in your tank cyno like dead spots.

[MissouriReef]

Ok so i promised pictures, here they are. any id on this now?






Now hopefully that works. THanks for the advice allready

[rayjay]

Looks like cyano to me!
Basically, it can be a normal part of the algae cycle until the tank matures, but if it comes after maturation, then it's a houskeeping issue.
As for tap water being loaded with phosphates, to me, it's not the big issue, as there are more phosphates being introduced to the system every time you feed your tank. It's very unlikely that you would be using a food that doesn't contain phosphates naturally, and many foods use added phosphates as a preservative.
Just look at how many people using RO/DI report problems with cyano. It's not coming from the RO/DI water...........

[MissouriReef]

Ok now i guess new questions, Is cyano bad? Should i encorage this growth? I recently got a new lighting system for this tank and am wondering if i should have gotten something different. This is what i got.



Unleash The Power Of The Sun & Moon

• High Intensity PowerPaq 14,000K HQI Metal Halide - available in both 150 watt & 250 watt
• LED Panels provide both blue & white lunar lighting
• Microprocessor based driving system - 15% more light output

Stand-Alone Performance
The SunPod produces an enormous amount of light and cuts through water to even the deepest depths. The PowerPaq 14,000k HQI metal halide(s) produce the energy your corals will need while the Moon White and/or Nocturnal Blue Lunar Lights let them relax and chill at night. Powered by either our proprietary internal electronic driving system or remote fan cooled ballast, the high-intensity blue light produced by the 14,000K PowerPaq HQI is so brilliant - no other supplemental actinic lamps are required.



Now you tell me, did i blow money or was it a decent investment?