What Causes Red Slime Algae in a Reef Aquarium and How Can I Get it Out of My Reef Tank?

Red slime algae in a reef aquarium can detract frommay cause it to appear out of no where so if your
the overall look of the tank. It can also pose a threatbulbs are more then six months old changing them
to some corals, if they are not strong enough tomay have a positive affect.
fight it off it can eventually smoother them and cutThere are also some animals that other reef keepers
off their light.have claimed eat it. These animals are the red legged
What Causes Red Slime Algae In a Reef Aquariumhermit crab, the cerith snail and some reports have
This algae is not an actual algae but a formclaimed that bi-color blennies will eat it as well.
cyanobacteria. Many reef experts are unsure as toLike anything in a reef tank it is hit or miss when
the exact cause of it but it is believed that like anyadding animals to control algae, they may devour it
normal aquarium algae it needs excess dissolvedor they may ignore it.
nutrients to feed on and grow. And like other algae itThere are also chemicals that are marketed that
needs an adequate light source for photosynthesisclaim to reduce or remove red slime algae in the reef
How Can I Get Rid Of Itaquarium. But like any chemical it will only mask the
Red Slime algae has proven to not like high waterproblem and is not a long term solution. And even if it
flow and by simply increasing the flow in your reefclaims it is reef safe there is a chance that any
tank you maybe able to get it to regress. It is alsochemicals added to your tank could also kill sensitive
very easy to remove by hand by simply scooping itcoral or invertebrates so proceed with caution when
out.using chemicals.
There have been some theories that older light bulbs