What's the quickest way to get rid of this algae?

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asm129

asm129

Gambusia
MFK Member
Dec 28, 2009
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Cafe Lu
I just bought a tank that had previously been used as a saltwater and coral setup. There is a lot of hard red algae on the acrylic. The seller told me it was beneficial algae for saltwater. I tried to scrape it off but I got tired after 30 mins.

Is there a quicker way to get rid of this algae? Maybe if I cycled it, will plecos or a flagtail eat up all that red algae? Or how about some chemical? Here's a picture of it. Thanks for your help.


100_1259.jpg
 
That's coralline algae you got there. If the tank is empty then just use white vinegar to dissolve it. Being coralline algae none of your freshwater algae eaters are going to be able to put much of a dent in it.
 
Thanks for the suggestions so far.

How much vinegar do you think I need to get out an algae stain like that? I mean, if I fill the whole tank with water, what percentage should be vinegar and what % should be water? It's pretty thick on there and I have to scratch real hard with my fingernails to get some out.

Instead of filling it with a water and vinegar mix, can I just use a spray bottle to spray it with vinegar or does it really have to be an overnight treatment. Only reason I ask is because it's a big tank and it's a lot of water to fill, drain and re-fill.

Thanks for the replies so far and please keep them coming.
 
I think filling it with water and adding vinegar will be too diluted to be effective. I would turn it on its side and dump a layer of straight vinegar on it and let it soak.
 
bob965;4335527; said:
I think filling it with water and adding vinegar will be too diluted to be effective. I would turn it on its side and dump a layer of straight vinegar on it and let it soak.
Click to expand...

I would do that, but the only problem is I live alone and don't have anyone to help me lift it. Is there a different way to soak it?
 
The most effective way to soak it is to empty the tank and then lay the tank horizontally on the side where you want to remove the algae. If you dilute the vinegar to much it won't be very effective. I would let it soak at least over night. You should be able to tip the tank onto the side that you need cleaned, just take it slowly and it should be doable.
 
I was able to get all the algae out in just 1 hour+ by using a spray bottle to spray ALOT of vinegar on each of the algae stains. I think I used half a gallon of vinegar. I waited just 5-10 minutes and I used a plastic taping knife to scrape it off. The algae came off really easily after just a few minutes of soaking. It was much easier than I thought. Now I just have to get rid of the vinegar smell in my tank and my house. :) Thanks again.
 
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