Do red slime removers work?

So, i don't know what the deal is but i keep getting sporatic outbreaks of cyano. I have a phosphate reactor running, skimmer, chaeto, good flow but i still don't know what's going on. It's all on the sand but yet I have a Koralia 1 blowing just over the surface of the sand. I can see the little tiny filaments of the cyano blowing like crazy, I thought this stuff hated flow. Anyway, does any know if the red slime remover stuff works and which is a good one to get? Or something else I should be doing for that matter. I would rather not put chemicals in to get rid of it. Oh, forget to mention, I'm using RO water as well and have cut back on the lights.

 

are your bulbs old?

I have used some before to try it out and I feel that it doesnt work

 

No, it's a new fixture, only about 2 months old.

 

I used red slime remover in my FOWLR tank and it worked great. Old lights and inadeqate flow were the real issues though. You might check how much flow you have since your lights are new. Don't know the impact on corals, but I seem to remember reading it was safe for corals. I'd ask some one more experienced though if using with corals.

M

 

My self has redslime problem i dont like using chemicals myself but we have to some time ...I would reccommend the RED SLIME REMOVER cant remember the Brand maybe API..Its in a blue box with red lettering called red slime remover Downfall (may Mess With PH and Oxegen Levels) Iuse dont give me any problems and is REEF SAFE i have all kinds of corals (Softies) it dont harm nothing...My LFS says he thinks its the way i feed my fsh i take the gum drop put it in a little cup with tank water Very little (Tank water) and pour a little at a time .Now im trying somthing new will see how it works.He says its prob from food hitting bottom not getting eaten or cleaned up i have a clean up crew but could be bigger i guess. Hope this helps....Let me Know...Rocky

 

Anyone else have any opinions?

 

Increase your flow, have your lights on for a shorter time period, feed less, and do a few frequent water changes. Also, siphon out as much as possible. You are better off fixing the cause than adding chemicals to inhibit the growth.

 

Many an aquarist has mis-conceptions about Cyano bacteria. Here is one of the best articles I have come across; Cyano, Cyanos, Cyanobacteria, Blue-Green Algae, Algae, Red slime Algae, Slime Algae, Slime, Undesirable algae

Yes, "Red Slime Remover" or "Chemi-Clean" work but they should be used as a stop-gap measure until you read and take the proper steps to provide an environment that is not conducive to any further outbreaks.

 

Red slime remover is to your problem as gum is to the bad breath of a child who didn’t brush his teeth. Find the cause and resolve it, in my opinion.

You didn’t mention a skimmer – DOC’s can accumulate and in turn give rise to NO3, do you use a skimmer? If so, what is it? how often do you empty the cup? How large is the tank?

Slime algae stinks, but is solvable. Often times its CO2, something most do not consider. I’d suggest that you post all your parameters, describe your set up and maintenance schedule. I am rather confident that we can assist you without the use of masking agents that will not correct your issue.

 

If you feel that you are doing everything you can to get rid of the red slimeand its not going away then I would try the red slime remover don't let people make you feel like you are doing something wrong by using it it doesnt harm corals or fish. I have used it 2 times over the years and a friend of mine has also used a few times in his reef and it worked really well . I used the Ultra Life red slime remover in the blue box just follow the instructions and keep the skimmer off for at least 2 weeks and definitely add an airstone in your sump. after 2 weeks do a 20% water change and turn your skimmer back on.