Red Slime Algae Question

Discussion in 'Algae' started by Devin R., Apr 18, 2014.

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  1. Devin R.

    Devin R. Plankton

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    Is Red Slime common in new aquariums?

    My tank has just hit the 2 month mark and it has red slime everywhere. I just tested every parameter that I have a test kit for and my nitrates are pretty high and my ammonia is up a bit. So could this be the problem, because I did read that red slime aka cyano likes a lot of nitrates and extra light.

    What do you recommend to treat this?

    Thanks!
     
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  3. Marshall O

    Marshall O Giant Squid

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    Manually siphon what you can. Increase flow in the tank. Reduce nutrients (excess foods, etc.).

    But yes, it is common in newer tanks.
     
  4. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    Definitely not uncommon to see a cyano bloom.

    Do some water changes with RO/DI water. Manually remove and siphon what cyano you can.

    Make sure you have enough flow.

    If it becomes a chronic problem you can get more aggressive. Try to post specific values for nitrates if possible and ammonia.
     
  5. Av8Bluewater

    Av8Bluewater Giant Squid

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    The good news is it will go away if you get your nutrients under control. Sounds like the tank is still pretty new so just keep reading and you'll get there.
     
  6. Devin R.

    Devin R. Plankton

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    Thanks for the replies!

    Nitrate showed: 5-10 ppm
    Ammonia showed: It's somewhere between 0 & 0.25, if I had to guess, about 0.05 ppm

    So they are pretty high
     
  7. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    if you're using API kits, it's really hard to distinguish 0 from .25 - try testing again, it's probably 0 if you have no nitrites. As far as the cyano, manual removal with water changes and reduction of nutrients as already stated.
     
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  9. Oryo

    Oryo Feather Duster

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