• The problem with cyanobacteria.

  • Brandy1134

About 2 weeks ago, blue-green algae (red in color) started appearing on the substrate in the aquarium (see profile). A few days ago, I added activated carbon to the filter, but I haven't noticed a significant decrease in their growth. The substrate is heavily covered with them, and I mix the substrate, which makes the algae disappear for a few days, but then they start growing back again. Please share how you deal with this... thank you.

Amanda5586

cyanobacteria (red in color). Excuse me, how is that? Cyanobacteria or red in color? It's not quite clear...

Mark9853

I asked a marine aquarist from Odessa, and he said they are blue-green; they look like freshwater ones, just red in color.

Loretta5483

What are the nitrate levels in the water? If it's blue-green algae, I noticed them appearing at a concentration of about 20 mg/L and with a daylight duration of 12-13 hours. After replacing 10% of the water, reducing the daylight hours, and cleaning all the filters, the condition gradually normalized. And if it's red in the form of thin, heavily broken threads (specialists said it's the red form of Caulerpa algae). Best regards, srius.

Kimberly4253

I measured a week ago, the nitrates were at 10, I will measure again today, and I will really have to reduce the light period...

Anthony

Cyanobacteria have the appearance of a slimy film, with colors ranging from red to brownish. Red Caulerpa does not form filamentous thalli. Although the term red Caulerpa itself sounds quite interesting, Caulerpa is a genus of green algae.

Daniel

I also have some vague doubts. But since I am a novice in this matter, my gratitude knows no bounds for any information from the Specialist. Best regards.

Leah

I seek advice! I periodically notice a kind of forest of dark green threads, 1-1.5 cm long, on my live rocks, which can be easily removed with a brush. Could you please tell me what this is?

Kevin3114

All algae are a natural phenomenon in an aquarium... as nutrients come in anyway, and the consumer niche is quickly occupied. All types of red and brown algae are quite interesting in an aquarium and should be considered desirable inhabitants, as it may not be possible to intentionally cultivate them. Many green algae, especially filamentous ones, become a problem for decorative aquariums, not to mention cyanobacteria. The nitrate content is not an indicator, I’ll tell you right away... what matters more is the overall content of dissolved organic matter, and as a consequence, the digital indicator of redox potential.

Andrew9581

How can we influence this process? Thank you in advance. Yours.

Teresa

Powerful foam separation, ozonation, in general all types of competition for nutrients. Algal filters, synthetic zeolites. In systems for SPS, the so-called short-polyped corals... they set up a filter from soft corals in the sump. That's how it is.

Jennifer5784

Powerful foam separation?! Heresy, heresy - to the bonfire with it! SEA CLONE is the best, and self-hypnosis: I have no algae, I'm doing just fine.

Daniel4967

I understand that you have a soft spot for SEA CLONE, but that's not what we're talking about...

Jeanne

Regarding "red" algae: if the aquarium is new, do nothing; it will resolve itself. If it's older, check the organic matter and water flow.

Jeremy8404

I have the same problem. The aquarium is 4 years old and has a reef. The issues with green growths started 6 months ago, and so far all efforts have been unsuccessful.

Cheryl9296

I have the same problem. The aquarium is 4 years old and has a reef. The issues with green growths started 6 months ago, and so far all efforts to combat it have been unsuccessful.

Jennifer5371

What is the calcium level? My problem with algae disappeared after raising the calcium level to 460.

Joseph6461

Get a couple of sea urchins, they will quickly eat them up. I don't observe any algae blooms in my tank (since I clean the glass once a week).