what is this? Bad or good? - Aquarium Advice

jr5018 · 08-14-2004, 07:24 PM

Ok can anyone tell me what this is it is like a red carpet growing on my substrate about 1/8 of an inch thick is it bad?

**Fluff** · 08-14-2004, 09:21 PM

It looks like cyanobacteria. AKA red slime algae. I don't really know if it's bad, I'll let someone with more experience answer that for you. But it is unsightly and can take over quick. I think it's caused by exess nutrients in the water. I had it bad and got rid of it and my hair algae by switching over to [acronym:e7060792e3="Reverse osmosis"]RO[/acronym:e7060792e3]/[acronym:e7060792e3="Deionization"]DI[/acronym:e7060792e3] water and not feeding so much.

jackdp · 08-14-2004, 10:05 PM

Yup, it looks like [acronym:a53ca01d31="Cyanobacteria"]cyano[/acronym:a53ca01d31], try cutting back on feeding, if you don't use [acronym:a53ca01d31="Reverse osmosis"]RO[/acronym:a53ca01d31]/[acronym:a53ca01d31="Deionization"]DI[/acronym:a53ca01d31] water for water changes and topoffs, I would start doing so. And just as important, try to evaluate the flow in the affected areas. In most cases, increasing the flow to the the affected areas can really help reduce the bloom. While doing all this, try removing what you can of the [acronym:a53ca01d31="Cyanobacteria"]cyano[/acronym:a53ca01d31] by siphoning or pulling it out by hand. [acronym:a53ca01d31="Hope this helps (or) Happy to help"]HTH[/acronym:a53ca01d31]

DoctorKewl · 08-15-2004, 01:41 AM

I have the same problem but it went away and now its back. i am now using phosphate remover in my filter media to help but i think maybe its caused by using tap water for topoffs and changes.

jr5018 · 08-15-2004, 01:45 AM

Ok cool You guys are great I thought I had it all under control but BAM!! I get this crap. I will remove it by hand and start feeding less. I have used [acronym:9eea3c3586="Reverse osmosis"]RO[/acronym:9eea3c3586] water from day 1 and i thought i did everything right. But O well. I am kind of scared I have to go to IRAQ for 6 months and leave my wife with the tank. Kinda dreading what i am going to come back to. So if you all get some really newbie questions in the recent future please bear with her and help her as much as possible.. Again I cant thank you guys enough for all your help You are all wonderful.

ReefGuru · 08-17-2004, 01:45 PM

Cyanobacteria are not true photosynthetics like most other "algae" that we battle. They are capable of photosynthesis, but most of their energy comes from braking down [acronym:80e61518a3="Dissolved Organic Compounds"]DOC[/acronym:80e61518a3]. If your tank is new, be patient, it will go away, its only a cycling phase that goes away relativly quickly. If your tank is old, make sure all your circulation and filtration works, and clean it all so its working in tip top condition. Then do a water change. If this does not take care of it, you are either overfeeding your fish or you are too high on your bioload. But I remind you, IF this is a new tank (<2 months) leave it alone. Alow the tank to cycle itself out.

Andrej

08-14-2004, 07:24 PM	#1
jr5018 Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: May 2004 Location: Fl Posts: 68	what is this? Bad or good? Ok can anyone tell me what this is it is like a red carpet growing on my substrate about 1/8 of an inch thick is it bad?

08-14-2004, 09:21 PM	#2
Fluff The Keeper Community Moderator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: West Virginia Posts: 10,136 Images: 29	It looks like cyanobacteria. AKA red slime algae. I don't really know if it's bad, I'll let someone with more experience answer that for you. But it is unsightly and can take over quick. I think it's caused by exess nutrients in the water. I had it bad and got rid of it and my hair algae by switching over to [acronym:e7060792e3="Reverse osmosis"]RO[/acronym:e7060792e3]/[acronym:e7060792e3="Deionization"]DI[/acronym:e7060792e3] water and not feeding so much. __________________ ~Cindy

08-14-2004, 10:05 PM	#3
jackdp Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 866 Images: 5	Yup, it looks like [acronym:a53ca01d31="Cyanobacteria"]cyano[/acronym:a53ca01d31], try cutting back on feeding, if you don't use [acronym:a53ca01d31="Reverse osmosis"]RO[/acronym:a53ca01d31]/[acronym:a53ca01d31="Deionization"]DI[/acronym:a53ca01d31] water for water changes and topoffs, I would start doing so. And just as important, try to evaluate the flow in the affected areas. In most cases, increasing the flow to the the affected areas can really help reduce the bloom. While doing all this, try removing what you can of the [acronym:a53ca01d31="Cyanobacteria"]cyano[/acronym:a53ca01d31] by siphoning or pulling it out by hand. [acronym:a53ca01d31="Hope this helps (or) Happy to help"]HTH[/acronym:a53ca01d31] __________________ Brad C.

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08-15-2004, 01:41 AM	#4
DoctorKewl Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 10	I have the same problem but it went away and now its back. i am now using phosphate remover in my filter media to help but i think maybe its caused by using tap water for topoffs and changes.

08-15-2004, 01:45 AM	#5
jr5018 Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: May 2004 Location: Fl Posts: 68	Ok cool You guys are great I thought I had it all under control but BAM!! I get this crap. I will remove it by hand and start feeding less. I have used [acronym:9eea3c3586="Reverse osmosis"]RO[/acronym:9eea3c3586] water from day 1 and i thought i did everything right. But O well. I am kind of scared I have to go to IRAQ for 6 months and leave my wife with the tank. Kinda dreading what i am going to come back to. So if you all get some really newbie questions in the recent future please bear with her and help her as much as possible.. Again I cant thank you guys enough for all your help You are all wonderful.

08-17-2004, 01:45 PM	#6
ReefGuru Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Skokie, IL Posts: 109	Cyanobacteria are not true photosynthetics like most other "algae" that we battle. They are capable of photosynthesis, but most of their energy comes from braking down [acronym:80e61518a3="Dissolved Organic Compounds"]DOC[/acronym:80e61518a3]. If your tank is new, be patient, it will go away, its only a cycling phase that goes away relativly quickly. If your tank is old, make sure all your circulation and filtration works, and clean it all so its working in tip top condition. Then do a water change. If this does not take care of it, you are either overfeeding your fish or you are too high on your bioload. But I remind you, IF this is a new tank (<2 months) leave it alone. Alow the tank to cycle itself out. Andrej