I want to point out that there are two different algae(?) being discussed here: the red slime algae and the white fuzz-looking stuff. I'm reasonably sure that they're not the same type of algae and may need two different approaches for a permanent fix.
The Fuzz (And Coralline Algae)
- Thread starter KellyFrancis
- Start date
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I must have missed the white fuzz. Not seeing it.
KJ
I'm pretty sure that it's the fuzzy off-white stuff that's under the shrimp in a few pictures; it doesn't look quite sponge-like to me, though.
It looks like dead or dying coraline on unscrubbed and uncured LR to me. Is this a new tank? If so when you bought the rocks were they covered in Pink and Purple? If so the red will turn black and fall off.
I'd expect alot more problem's 1st prior to red slime which looks like more jelly or jam - do you have to scrub the glass almost daily? What i would expect to see 1st is tiny hairy brown all over the glass and rocks, basically caused by tons of leftover food by-products (organic carbons).
I'd expect alot more problem's 1st prior to red slime which looks like more jelly or jam - do you have to scrub the glass almost daily? What i would expect to see 1st is tiny hairy brown all over the glass and rocks, basically caused by tons of leftover food by-products (organic carbons).
I got it established from a friend. I don't hardly ever scrub the glass...maybe once a week and then only because I start to notice the algae. I don't have a light on it yet and so just leave the window open for it. It gets a lot of sunlight lately with spring coming around. The rocks weren't covered in pink and purple but he did tell me he had the purple algae growing in it. I have a lot of green and black carpet stuff coming off of the rocks.
the white fuzz i was battling for a while, ya petco rock!!!! other wise i was told the red slime was coralline algae. as you guys know i am not a salt expert nor claim to be, but i never had a problem with the red slime and when i put purple tec in the tank it was what came out. i did have the purple algae before the red stuff came into play(same pecto rock) i thought it was cool algae when i go the rock. only to see that it peels right off and turns a ****y black when it is messed with.
the black may just be the sand on it did you look close at it or just glance? the sand will stick to it. the green is regular algae. those rocks were all purple when i got them from forest lakes bulk fiji rock tank. it lost a lot of the purple when my lights started on fire leaving me without a light three wonderful times. so, at least your getting the right info now. the fuzz was only on that rock when you got them from me. i would see the fuzz and like i said to you before i would take out those rocks and clean them.
the black may just be the sand on it did you look close at it or just glance? the sand will stick to it. the green is regular algae. those rocks were all purple when i got them from forest lakes bulk fiji rock tank. it lost a lot of the purple when my lights started on fire leaving me without a light three wonderful times. so, at least your getting the right info now. the fuzz was only on that rock when you got them from me. i would see the fuzz and like i said to you before i would take out those rocks and clean them.
It looks like dead or dying coraline on unscrubbed and uncured LR to me. Is this a new tank? If so when you bought the rocks were they covered in Pink and Purple? If so the red will turn black and fall off.
I'd expect alot more problem's 1st prior to red slime which looks like more jelly or jam - do you have to scrub the glass almost daily? What i would expect to see 1st is tiny hairy brown all over the glass and rocks, basically caused by tons of leftover food by-products (organic carbons).
To better answer the question here: I didn't notice any jelly-like stuff in the tank. I probably would have freaked out about it, lol. And I do see tiny brown hair-lookin things on the rock and every now and then they start to move to the glass (which is when I scrub it) but I only feed the fish twice per week and they eat almost everything that floats down. When my damsel and clown are done, I'll drop a couple more pellets just to make sure my blenny has food but that's it. And I only feed them pellets once a week. The other feeding is either shrimp or tilapia. They seem to be going mad over the bits so far but I'll keep a closer eye on it and when they slow down. If there's any leftovers when they are done eating, they are usually gone by morning but I don't know whether this is because they eat it or it gets pushed under a rock.
I think I should note that the tank was running around ten degrees hot for awhile. Right around 87-89. It maxed out at 92 before I replaced the heater I think a week and a half after it started to freak out. (Tried to find the receipt but couldn't, that's why it took so long.) Anyway, I just wanted to throw that out there for consideration too.
All kinds of things can effect all kinds of things in an eco system including heat. If you were to measure dissolved oxygen in water that's 95 and 65 you'll find that theres more oxygen in 65 degrees then 95. When 02 is low it can effect an eco-system - some of the bacteria like lots of dissolved 02 while others like a more oxygen deficient enviorment, difference in those bacterias is called aerobic and anerobic or Ammonia/Nitrite bacteria and de- Nitrifying bacteria. If the de-nitrifying bacteria is growing faster the the other 2 the rocks will get stringy brown dirty lookin' stuff and red slime algae can easily rear it's ugly head if the balance remains un-checked.
Theres a few sources of stuff that can cause this un-balance but like kevin8888 says - the root is organic decomp.It can be corrected by increased flow, more frequent water changes, reduced lighting, increased skimming,etc... - the list is quite long.
Best strating point is Test the water for - Nitrates, Phosphates, Silicates, and if using Tapwater for W/Cs the $80 TDS(Total dissolved solids) moniter. Or just stop using tapwater if you are and use R/O water to eliminate adding high levels of organic carbon decomp.
It gets expensive when planning a reef
Theres a few sources of stuff that can cause this un-balance but like kevin8888 says - the root is organic decomp.It can be corrected by increased flow, more frequent water changes, reduced lighting, increased skimming,etc... - the list is quite long.
Best strating point is Test the water for - Nitrates, Phosphates, Silicates, and if using Tapwater for W/Cs the $80 TDS(Total dissolved solids) moniter. Or just stop using tapwater if you are and use R/O water to eliminate adding high levels of organic carbon decomp.
It gets expensive when planning a reef
