Red Film/algae

[jaylam]

It doesn't just happen due to lack of flow, it can happen because there is poor gas exchange which fuels it's growth. Creating more surface movement with a power head increases gas exchange several times over meaning the gasses it thrives on are reduced.

 

[fishy55599]

im confused? my powerheads are ponted right at the surface?

 

[jaylam]

They may be at the surface but are they pointing up or down. I have 2 pointing down creating flow over the live rock and one pointing up to create a vigourous water ripple on the surface of the water

 

[fishy55599]

pointing up

 

[jaylam]

pointing up

That's prob why then, if they are both pointing up there is no flow in and around the tank it's all at the top of the tank hence why it's only growing at the bottom of your glass is that pic.

Here is a pic of mine as and example, left and right powerheads pointing down and middle up. I would point yours down so they create flow around your live rock.

 

[fishy55599]

well it does grow top aswell, i guess i could put one up and one down

 

[jaylam]

well it does grow top aswell, i guess i could put one up and one down

If they are both up then I would point them both down to start with, monitor it over a week and if it's still there point one up. The most important thing if to create flow around your live rock so it can filter the water.

Suck out the crap, point them down and see how it looks in a week.

 

[fishy55599]

okay shall do

 

[fishy55599]

moving the powerheads down a bit hasnt worked, as it still comes back.
maybe when my cheato comes it shall help a bit as well as waterchanges.

also need to try get a conch soon, as i got a few bits of green stuff on my sand

 

[jaylam]

Red algae can only be cured by increasing flow. Perhaps your power heads are to high up try lowering them.

Cerith or nassurius snail are what you want, both are sand sifting and work wonders on keeping the sand clean.

 

[fishy55599]

Red algae can only be cured by increasing flow. Perhaps your power heads are to high up try lowering them. i did lower it like you said, and ill monitor it over a few days, if it comes back ill lower it a lil more

Cerith or nassurius snail are what you want, both are sand sifting and work wonders on keeping the sand clean. ive planned on getting some of these and a conch when i can

 

[fishy55599]

it was back again today after school.
but my cheato arrived, hopefully will help my phos get to 0

 

[jaylam]

I wouldnt count on it, I tried cheato and it did nothing. I think you need a lot of it for it to work

 

[fishy55599]

i dont know what else i can do?

 

[jaylam]

i dont know what else i can do?

Thing is the key to getting rid of red algae is more flow and you believe that the flow in your tank is ok so not really a lot else to suggest or do.

There is chemicals you can buy to get rid of red algae but it doesnt normally last long and your not solving the root problem.

Can you post a front on picture of your tank so we can see the posistion of the rock and powerheads etc.