got some red algae...

Discussion in 'Algae' started by get.grounded, Sep 27, 2009.

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  1. get.grounded

    get.grounded Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2009
    Messages:
    227
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    pretty sure its cyano and im just wondering what are some good ways of getting rid of it only has 2 small patches on the sand n little pieces on a little rock.
     
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  3. bigdaddyreefer

    bigdaddyreefer Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2008
    Messages:
    93
    Location:
    St.Louis, Missouri
    Well, algae usually points to an excess of nutrients. If you just have two small patches right now, it might be a good idea to manually remove them before they get any bigger. However, you have to take some measures to ensure they do not come back.

    How much are you feeding your reef? All in all those two fish don't need that much food...this might be your source of excess nutrients.

    Are you using purified or tap water? Straight out of the tap water may be loaded with nitrates and phosphates, which will contribute to your algae problem.

    9 hours seems alright for a lighting cycle, but you can cut this back a bit as well if you wish. Speaking of lighting, how old are your bulbs? Old bulbs can emit light in different wavelengths then they were intended to when new, and will cause algae blooms as well.
     
  4. get.grounded

    get.grounded Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2009
    Messages:
    227
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    thanks i think it was the tap water ive been using for topping off my tank. im gonna start getting premixed water from the LFS