FishProfiles.com Message Forums

I've gotten a pretty good case of a blanket of red algae covering just about anything that isn't moving too quickly with long strands (from 1 - 4 inches in length) in several places waving in the current, none on the glass, just the live rock and crushed coral substrate. Will it run itself out on its own? All parameters are normal, pH, salinity, temp, nitrates, etc. The only thing I haven't tested yet is phosphates, because I don't yet have a test kit for that. Any ideas on how to rid myself of it. A little is okay, but its like the brown algae outbreak shortly after cycling the tank 5 months ago. I've had it for about 2 weeks now. Thanks in advance for your help.

You'll need to reduce the nutrients in your water. Good chance there will be a higher level of phosphate than you should have. It won't really work itself out unless you do water changes, and manually remove it from time to time. A protein skimmer can also help lessen the algae.

If your not already using it, switch to RO water only.

What you have is called Red Slime. You can purchace Red Slime remover from your lfs, but you still need to do what lil_mikey69 has said. The water you use can contribute to it also. I've had the same problem and now am buying an RO unit. If you buy RSR use as it says on the box, it'll cost you about $20.00.
Good Luck

I don't know if it will help in your case, but I use two bags of phosphate remover in my tank. If I just bought RO water from my LFS, though, I wouldn't have to worry about it!

Will the red slime remover hurt corraline algae, or anything thing else on the live rock?

I was told no. I have used it and it works well and it is fish and reef safe.