Diatoms Or Red Slime Algae?

[1entra]

my new tank which has currently been set up for about 3months seems to have a slimy BROWN looking layer of algae all across the sandbed. it seems to be a cross between diatoms and red slime algae but is is a murky brown in colour.

All my stats seem fine with nitrates at 10ppm. my 150w MH is on for approx 6hours a day. can somebody please help me id and eradicate this unsightly algae. i would take a piture but cant seem to find me camera at the minute.

thanks

 

[psycho-killer]

i have the same quastion,but i run my halides for 10 hours. is that to long ? reduce it to 8 hours ?

what does ur phosphate levels look like ?

 

[rabbut]

Well, it sounds like diatoms to me. I've had the same issue for a while now, but thankfully now appears to be clearing. change the flow patterns such that there is plenty of movement at the surface, across the rocks and along the substrate. Start wet skimming. Run Phosban/Rowaphos/Clearmax or other Phosphate and silicate removing media. Cut back on feeding and limit light to about 8 hours a day, cutting out all direct natural light where possible.

How old are your Halide lamps? What make, model (where applicable) and kelvin rating are they?

What is your Phosphate reading and water change regiem?

All the best
Rabbut

 

[SkiFletch]

Cyanobacteria comes in a few color morphs, including brown, green, rust, red, and purple. If it has a "slimy" appearance, I'd lean towards cyano. One other possibility would be the dreaded dinoflagellates... Hope it's not that.