Purple algae/scum.

[Fuzzy]

there is a dark purple algea or more of a skum on the sand, some of the live rock and on the piece of coral . it is sorta thick and it doesnt grow into the stuff it more ofs lays on top. i have read that certain algeas can mean different things like not enough circulation or low levels or high levels. my ph is 8.2, salinity is 1.022, calcium is 400 and all the other levels r 0. i have 2 filters which give plenty of circulation. so is this algea good sign or a bad sign and should i get rid of it and how? would some more hermits clean it up? thnx for any answers

dimensions:
L-30"
W-12"
H-18 3/4"

 

[ste2k3]

I't sounds like cyno bacteria which is normally red/ dark red in colour. this can grow where there are pleanty of organics. I would get some more hermits a sand sifting star or fighting conch and if you can get then nassarus snails. Hard to get hold of over here at the moment but I don't know about the availability over there.

for now you can just brush it of or blast it off with a small powerhead.

ste

 

[Fuzzy]

we do have fighting conches and sand sifting stars here but will the arrow crab try to do anything to the sandstar, considering the tank is not to big?

 

[ste2k3]

no, the arrow crab should be fine with the sand sifter.

ste

 

[Fuzzy]

ok good and one more question. would it also go good with a scooter blenny? ill probaly get the sand sifter in a week or 2

 

[ste2k3]

I would not put a scooter blenny or manderin in at this stage as there will not be enough live food in the tank for it to feed on and normally they won't accept dead foods so they just starve to death. I'd wait 6 months minimum before you add anything like that.

ste