Dealing with red algae before it becomes a problem?

[Mabu]

I have some red algae growing on a photosynthetic gorgonian I have in my tank. The currents in the water are causing the algae to spread a bit - it's very manageable right now - I want to know how I should handle this? I have a peppermint shrimp which seems to eat on the algae when it gets substantive, but I want to avoid if at all possible, a large-scale outbreak of this stuff. Does anyone have any ideas?

 

[zip_case]

Mabu,

You can get yourself a sea cucumber. I might be picking one up within the next 2 months. A sea cucumber only looks like a piece of turd but it does the trick.

I have a brownbarred goby in my 29 gal and he's doing a nice job of sifting the sand. What he does is take a mouthful of sand and process it then release it from its gill or something around that area.

Hope that helps, GOOD LUCK

 

[pez]

I fail to see how a cuke will help cynobacteria on a coral

Mabu,

Your best bets are some partial water changes with high quality salt and good RO/DI water (not just RO or just DI water), and to step your skimming. A little carbon might help too.

-Tom