[nolnacs]

Hello all, I'm a new member, older aquarist. I've been doing this for 30 years, saltwater for 20 years. Not sure if this belongs in a different forum, but I have a problem. Red carpet or slime algae; blue green algae, cyanobacteria, whatever you want to call it. Very quickly I have a 20 gallon set up with a canster filter, a box filter and a protien skimmer. Everything thing has been great for years, all I have are two percula clowns (5 years old), an Atlantic anemonae (three years old) and some other invertebrates (snails and crabs). I developed a bad case of red slime algae that has covered the tank. I found out my canister filter was not pumping properly for a few months and I think that initiated the problem. I have fixed the filter and been doing water changes but I can't retard the algae growth. I don't want to purchase any medications. What can I do? Currently I have the light on for 10 1/2 hours a day. Thanks, nolnacs.

[Waterlogged]

Welcome and you might want to post this under "new to the hobby" to get more views.

[stacef]

Welcome to RB Kevin!!

[stacef]

Also-- Sorry I didn't answer you question in the last post, I believe that cyanobacteria is a good sign of high Nitrates, have you checked them lately? I believe the advise is frequent water changes, and iit will take care of itself with times. I have not personally had a cyanobacteria problem, but have read a lot on here about it.

[carym]

Welcome to RB kevin, glad to have you aboard.....

[jvharding]

Originally Posted by nolnacs

Hello all, I'm a new member, older aquarist. I've been doing this for 30 years, saltwater for 20 years. Not sure if this belongs in a different forum, but I have a problem. Red carpet or slime algae; blue green algae, cyanobacteria, whatever you want to call it. Very quickly I have a 20 gallon set up with a canster filter, a box filter and a protien skimmer. Everything thing has been great for years, all I have are two percula clowns (5 years old), an Atlantic anemonae (three years old) and some other invertebrates (snails and crabs). I developed a bad case of red slime algae that has covered the tank. I found out my canister filter was not pumping properly for a few months and I think that initiated the problem. I have fixed the filter and been doing water changes but I can't retard the algae growth. I don't want to purchase any medications. What can I do? Currently I have the light on for 10 1/2 hours a day. Thanks, nolnacs.

First let me say Welcome to RB!

Well the canister and the amount of water flow may be the cause, but I have to wonder what your water source is? Canisters are known to create more Nitrates! What are the tank parameters? Phosphates and Silicates as well as Poor circulation are all known factors. What is your Substrate and tank Husbandry?

Sorry to answer your Question with Questions but this topic is largely debated here is a link for some good info.

Cyano, Cyanos, Cyanobacteria, Blue-Green Algae, Algae, Red slime Algae, Slime Algae, Slime, Undesirable algae

[nolnacs]

Thanks all for the responses. Nitrates, Nitries, Ammonia at or near 0 according to my Aquarium Pharmaceutical kits. I will be purchasing more accurate testing equipment on the internet tonight. I don't as yet have a test for phosphates or silicates. 20 gallon tank with two percula clowns, one atlantic anemone, 3 hermit crabs and six turbo snails. I wasn't sure if this 'thread' would get enough viewing so I started another one in the Saltwater Aquariums forum under reef discussions titled 'Red Slime Algae' which has had quite a few hits. Thanks again...Kevin

[nolnacs]

Husbandry: water changes every 4-6 weeks and fileter changes every two to three months.

Crushed gravel as a base.

This all worked well until the filter broke down. Nitrates measue 0 now, didn't check them when I discovered the problem, and I would imagine they were higher.