| Many new saltwater aquarium keepers have had red | | | | The first method many people turn to to fight the |
| slime algae appear in their once pristine tanks. And | | | | problem is chemicals. While they will work they are |
| once it appears this algae can literally make a tank | | | | only a temporary fix and can actually make matters |
| look terrible which is why so many marine aquarium | | | | worse. The algae is feeding off of something and be |
| keepers wonder how to get red of red slime algae in | | | | killing it off temporarily you are allowing the food |
| a reef aquarium? | | | | source to accumulate in the tank. Once the red slime |
| What Is This Red Stuff Anyway | | | | grabs a foot hold it will be much worse then before |
| Red slime algae is a naturally occurring growth that is | | | | because the of the build up in the water. |
| actually a cyanobacteria and not an algae. It is | | | | To avoid this problem the best methods are to make |
| common in nature and in saltwater tanks. While it can | | | | sure your saltwater tank is not overstocked with fish |
| and does appear in older tanks it is more prevalent in | | | | and that you are not overfeeding. |
| newer marine systems that are under six months old. | | | | The next thing is to make sure you clean your filters |
| What Makes It Appear | | | | and protein skimmers every month and do not let |
| This red goo is the result of to many nutrients like | | | | them become clogged up with gunk. |
| nitrate and phosphate in the aquarium water from | | | | Vacuuming the gravel in your tank will also help to |
| uneaten fish food and fish waste. In newer marine | | | | remove fish waste uneaten food and other pollutants |
| aquarium systems it is a sign that biological equilibrium | | | | that are in the tank that can lead to red slime growth |
| has not yet been reached in your system. | | | | One often overlooked contributor is the water you |
| If you are experiencing red slime algae in a newer | | | | use to make your saltwater,. If you use tap water |
| system give it some time as it will more then likely | | | | you could very well be adding phosphates into the |
| disappear in a few short weeks. If it is appearing in | | | | tank with every water change. This is because most |
| an older established system it may be a sign that | | | | communities put phosphate in the water supply to |
| something is not right and needs attention | | | | stop pipe corrosion in the delivery system. To get |
| How To Get Rid Of Red Slime Algae In a Reef | | | | around this you can use reverse osmosis water |
| Aquarium | | | | systems or buy distilled water. |