Red Slime Algae (Cyanobacteria)

What Causes Red Slime Algae (Cyanobacteria)

Red Slime Algae is a cyanobacteria very similar to blue green slime algae (which is also cyano). Phosphates in the aquarium can lead to cyano growth, also known as slime algae. Cyanobacteria will generally start to coat rocks or sand in low flow areas of the reef tank and grow outward. Having high flow, and no areas without low to no flow, will reduce the ability for cyanobacteria to grow and coat rocks, sand, and coral.

How to get Rid of Red Slime Algae

Red slime algae can be removed from sand and rocks with a siphon or net during water changes. It can also be removed from rocks and corals by blowing water at it with a turkey baster or powerhead. Cyanobacteria, even when removed, will generally regrow quickly until the phosphates in the reef tank are reduced.

To get rid of Red Slime Algae you will need to reduce phosphates. The best way to do this is by keeping a good refugium with cheato macroalgae and a strong refugium light. This algae will grow, and consume both nitrates and phosphates from the reef tank. Starving cyanobacteria of phosphates, preventing it from growing.

You can also use a chemical treatment such as ChemiClean to remove red slime algae. I tend to avoid adding "quick fix" solutions, however, ChemiClean tends to have a lot of success stories. Keep in mind that this is a bandage. While it will get rid of the red slime algae, if the phosphates are not reduced, the cyanobacteria will come back.

What Eats Red Slime Algae

Being a bacteria and not really an algae, there are not many creatures that naturally eat red slime algae. Though it won't fix the problem long term, if you are looking to clean up a light bacteria bloom, there are a couple known preditors of cyanobacteria. Trochus and Cerith snails are both known to eat cyanobacteria in the reef tank.

Recommended Products:

• Two Little Fishies Phosban GFO Phosphate Removal Media
• Boyd Chemiclean Red Slime Cyano Bacteria Remover
• Coral Feeder (Turkey Baster)