Outbreak of Red Algae

[adamsfour]

I seem to have a reoccurring outbreak of Red Alage. About every 3-4 months I get an outbreak. To keep ahead of it I run Chemiclean which seems to eradicate it. But clearly I am not getting to the source. I never let it get excessive and it doesn’t impact the coral. But I don’t understand why it returns. I gave attached the tang chemistry. Tank is over 10 years and this pattern only started recently. Lights are Hydra 26. Any idea of the cause would be appreciated

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

Do you mean Cyano? Chemiclean is antibotic that treats Cyano (bacteria)

 

[adamsfour]

Yes that’s what I mean

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

You have a nutrient imbalance in your system. Chemiclean does not discriminate good from bad bacteria. You'll need to add some good bacteria back into your system after dosing Chemiclean. MB7 is a good choice. Adding flow to areas with cyano helps . You can help by siphoning out and blasting it with your turkey blaster.

Your Phosphate is high and your Nitrate is non existent if your testing equipment and procedure is correct.

 

[adamsfour]

Thanks. Not sure I agree my phosphate is high. I don’t consider .1 as high. I do think adding back some good bacteria can’t hurt.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks. Not sure I agree my phosphate is high. I don’t consider .1 as high. I do think adding back some good bacteria can’t hurt.

You need to raise your nitrates somehow as well.

 

[adamsfour]

Thanks. I was thinking that also.

 

[CoralB]

Thanks. Not sure I agree my phosphate is high. I don’t consider .1 as high. I do think adding back some good bacteria can’t hurt.

Phosphates imo are not high but nitrates need to come up off zero to at least 10-15 ppm . Adding competing bacteria like microbactor 7 or dr Tim’s will help as well . You also need to add current to where the cyano is . Not a fan of using chemiclean unless absolutely necessary.

 

[Spare time]

Try raising nitrates. If it's smothering your tank, try red stain remover or similar. Maybe add copepods too if you think you might not have much since they should eat cyano too from my understanding