purple stuff on sand

[DEL]

hey people..does anyone know what the purple stuff is on my sandbed on the lower right hand of my tank? how do i get rid of it? is it safe? please let me know. Thanks. is it cyano?

 

[DEL]

i always forget to post a pic..

 

[seascape]

looks like red slime algae to me,if you can syphon it out would be good,then you need to find out the reason why you are getting it,over feeding,nitrates,lighting etc.

 

[Dre]

looks like red slime algae to me,if you can syphon it out would be good,then you need to find out the reason why you are getting it,over feeding,nitrates,lighting etc.

+1

 

[Reefers Paradise]

deff cyano

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

What are your parameters?

 

[Reef Reaper]

Red slime, you're probably over feeding them. Make sure they eat everything before you give them more. split the portions!

 

[Master Shake]

cyano, need more flow or there is a problem with nitrates or phosphates. It is a bacteria that acts as an algea so have fun geting rid of it.

 

[DEL]

thanks guys...yea..probably over feeding..and since my diamond goby went tile surfing..i dont have anyone cleanin the sand..the snails and hermits arent doing their jobs tioo well!! ill check my parameters this weekend..thanks for the help..i think i have a small bottle of red slime remover..just wanted to make sure it was in fact red slime..

 

[basiab]

thanks guys..i think i have a small bottle of red slime remover..just wanted to make sure it was in fact red slime..

Hold off using a slime remover. I have used them and they did work for me. But others have reported problems. That is a beautiful tank you have and it would make more sense trying other methods first which are less likely to hurt you corals. There are some threads here about getting rid of them. I think Kaathy had one where she closed lights for 3 days. You can always try the chemicals later if other things don't work. And don't forget the chemicals get rid of it for a short time. So if you do not resolve the cause it will be coming right back.

 

[Kaz289]

Turn the lights off for about 72 hours, change your flow so that area gets more then do a water change. After it is gone, cut down on your feeding and the length of time u have your lights on for a few weeks. I had this exact problem like 6 months ago and this worked for me.

 

[tunicata]

I agree with shutting down the lights for an acceptable period, increasing flow, reducing the hours for the lights (after the initial 2-3 day off cycle), and feeding reduction.

I have a tank at my school and we ALWAYS get the cyano when someone forgets to turn off the light on a weekend or they over feed (they don't listen to me...I have a sign that says DO NOT TOUCH...).

So, at least 3x a month I go through this. It's not heavily coral dominated though, and mostly softies. After the 2-3 day of only ambient light, they shed and are back to normal.