red algae on the new sand

dzon143 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-05-2006, 03:27 AM

I just bought new sand for my 125 gal tank. Every day I am having to stir my sand because I am getting the red algae convering it. I have ample current and only 3 small fish in the tank. I run a phosphate remover filter in ther but it really doesnt matter. Can anyone help?

kenkht · #2 (**permalink**) 05-06-2006, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dzon143

I just bought new sand for my 125 gal tank. Every day I am having to stir my sand because I am getting the red algae convering it. I have ample current and only 3 small fish in the tank. I run a phosphate remover filter in ther but it really doesnt matter. Can anyone help?

Is it a slimy type algae?
They thrive on nitrate and phosphate. Quickest way to get rid of it is to do regular waterchanges with RO/DI water. Your lighting must be adequate as well, above 6500K .

SLCW · #3 (**permalink**) 08-06-2006, 09:05 PM

algae are a sign of nutrient levels.

the nutrient export or control is sufficient, investment for skimmer and perform water change will help

if u encounter further problems, or any updates share with us.

or visit http://www.chuisui.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=38 for emergency replies.

stinky · #4 (**permalink**) 19-07-2006, 06:45 PM

I suspect that you are using water straight from the tap. Our tap water is not so good for saltwater tanks. I suspect that even WITHOUT fishes, our tap water has enough phrophate and nitrate to cause you your algea problem.

Switch immediately to RO water!!

Also, don't stir the algea into the sand. Remove it manually from the tank. If not, they will decompose, and release more phrosphate and nitrates, and the situation will become worse!!

deep_end · #5 (**permalink**) 24-07-2006, 10:19 AM

Bro Stinky,

Actually dzon is from New York and not Mal., so he may well NOT have the nutrient levels we are accustomed to.

Dzon, you might want to check out the flow rate in your tank and make sure that its not too slow over the sand bed

Quote:

Originally Posted by stinky

I suspect that you are using water straight from the tap. Our tap water is not so good for saltwater tanks. I suspect that even WITHOUT fishes, our tap water has enough phrophate and nitrate to cause you your algea problem.

Switch immediately to RO water!!

Also, don't stir the algea into the sand. Remove it manually from the tank. If not, they will decompose, and release more phrosphate and nitrates, and the situation will become worse!!

stinky · #6 (**permalink**) 24-07-2006, 05:22 PM

Oh yea ... missed that!!

Better water flow prevents the algea from forming on your sand, but it will form on other low water flow areas. The BASIC problem is still with WASTE > FILTER CAPABILITY. Look into how you can improve your filtration or reduce waste (e.g. feed lesser)

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