Red slime taking over Chaeto in sump..

Discussion in 'Algae' started by CBSurfrider, Jun 24, 2014.

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  1. CBSurfrider

    CBSurfrider Millepora

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    Okay.. I am noticing what looks like red slime algae taking over my chaeto in my sump. What could possibly be causing this? My sump is set up exactly how my old one was in my 75gal and I never had this issue. Only thing I can think of is the bulb I have in there is going bad? Could there be any other possibilities to look into? Flow is pretty good down there, and I have my drain hoses pointed directly into my chaeto since I have noticed it. Or should I move the hoses away from the chaeto? My sump is set up where I have my drain hoses entering sump on far left, LR inbetween drain hoses and chaeto, then my return and skimmer on far right. Thanks for any help on this.
     
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  3. CBSurfrider

    CBSurfrider Millepora

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    I took out my LED light I had hung over the chaeto and replaced it with this compact fluorescent 100W (23W), 1600 lumins, 5,000K Natural Daylight. I know it is supposed to be higher than 5,000K though?
     
  4. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    The 5000k should work. 6500k would be better. So it was an old LED bulb? LEDs last a long time, how old? Anything else different? Feeding, water changes, etc..
     
  5. CBSurfrider

    CBSurfrider Millepora

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    Nothing else has changed. If anything I have lowered my feeding. The LED bulb came with the system when I bought it from my LFS, I'd estimate the bulb to be around 15 months old at the least. Looking in the sump today my chaeto seems to be deteriorating rather than growing.
     
  6. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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  7. FeedYourMachine

    FeedYourMachine Feather Duster

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    Yeah i would give it a trim,and it could possibly be because you are feeding less ..I've noticed when we go away for a couple days and the tank doesn't get fed the algae screen is pretty thin ..
     
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  9. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    I know some people put a powerhead in the sump with the cheato - evidently movement encourages growth. I know zesty has a an airstone in his to keep it afloat and moving....