what is this?

[jjamontan]

I am sure it is some kind of algae. Is it red hair algae? What is it caused by and how do I get rid of it?

 

[mr_X]

It looks like cyanobacteria to me. An overabundance of nutrients usually causes it. water changes and cutting back on feeding, vacuuming out what you see...

 

[jjamontan]

I added my sump today added about 20 gallons more in water volume. Is that as good as a 20% water change. I normally change out 10 gallons every sixth day. I usually feed the fish about a third of a cube once per day and pinch of flake food. I have three fish one shrimp 5 blue leg crabs 4 snails and one emerald. Am I over feeding?

 

[joy13]

What I do is small water changes several times a week when cyano starts to creep into my tank, siphon off as much as I can with each small water change.

 

[Starchar]

I believe that cyano is responsive to PH levels. Raising you PH may get rid of them/reduce the likelihood of a reoccurance.

 

[jjamontan]

Yesterday PH was at 8.2, I will not be able to check again to till tonight

 

[mr_X]

I wouldn't have your ph any higher than that.

 

[Starchar]

I wouldn't raise PH if you are good. Dramatic PH changes are harmful. Removing the food source and water changes is the best way to address the growth.

 

[Rutrag]

What do you use as a water source for your water changes? Beware of nitrates and phosphates coming into the tank with a water change, as that just feeds the stuff.

 

[jjamontan]

I use RO from a vending machine are the grocery store

 

[Rutrag]

Have you ever double checked it for nitrates or phosphates before mixing?

 

[jjamontan]

I have not ever checked it. Should I check with my saltwater test kit?

 

[Rutrag]

Depends on your test kit. I think most nitrate and phosphate kits are fine for both salt and freshwater, but double check to be sure. I think mine work for both, but I have a different chart for fresh.

 

[jjamontan]

If I remember correctly someone said that you can get a API color chart from there web page to test fresh water.

 

[Jereli]

I use to get my water from a vending machine aswell or the local water store and I could never figure out why I kept having problems with algae. I tested the ro from the water store and my tds meter read about 5ppms. I bought a ro/di unit and never had a problem after that. I get 0 ppms now from ro/di filter. the algae problems I was fighting for months have gone away. I should have done this from the beginning.

 

[jjamontan]

I figured that is what someone was going to tell me.

 

[Jereli]

May or may not be the problem...but in my case that was the issue.. I would definitely recommend it.