what is red algae in my salt water tank?

Question

It is red algae kind of like the green. is it posionous is it bad?

Answer 1

There are a number of red algaes - some are nuisance species that are hard to get rid of, some are very decorative and I've seen them for sale. There's also a red bacteria (cyanobacteria) that is a bacteria that looks like an algae - it's usually reddish or reddish-purple, but can be blue-green - this is what's called "red slime algae" - see photo: http://www.sloreef.com/bojan/Cyanobacteria_files/Cyanobacteria1.jpg This stuff does produce toxins (google "red tide")and you should try to get it out of your tank! For info on cyano and control, see this link: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/bluegralgae.htm - also has info on "true" red algaes.

If it's something other than cyanobacteria, it's probably an algae. There's one called red grape caulerpa (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/Algae%20and%20Plt%20Pix/Red%20Algae/red_alg_id_wwm_1.jpg ), red coralline algae (http://www.personal.dundee.ac.uk/~amjones/dundee/RESOURCES/crustyred.jpg ), red fern algaes (http://home.adelphia.net/~jowens00/images/red%20fern%20algae.jpg , http://taggart.glg.msu.edu/bot335/RHODOP.JPG ), and red gracillaria, and lots more that are sold for keeping in marine tanks.

Others are just a pain. Many reef critters won't touch these because they produce acids that can affect their teeth/beak. I'll pass along a website where you can look up the more common red algaes by comparing with photos. If there's a number beside the photo, look at the bottom of the page and it'll tell you what fish or inverts will eat that type of algae. If there's no number, it's probably okay to leave it in the tank. You can google more info once you've found a name: http://saltcorner.com/sections/guest/algaepage/algaepage.htm

Answer 2

No, Cyano bacteria, (red Algae) will not grow in a fresh water tank. If you plan on re-using the substrate, I would take it out , put it in a bucket(s) and rinse it well to get all of the dirt out . If you have not drained the tank and would like to try to kill the cyano, try this. Get some Red Slime remover, available at most fish stores. Treat the tank as directed, but with no lights on the tank for three days. Cover the front of the tank if you can with newspaper or a blanket. After the three days, go to a shortened light period, slowly increasing the time over the course of a week.

Answer 3

Red algae from my experience could be cause by to high of nitrates. You neeed to do a water change I would only do about 10% if you have fish if you don't have any fish I would do about a 20% water change. This stuff grows very fast and will spread all over your tank. You need to get a scoop of some kind and try to get as much out as possible. Turn the light out for a few days and see what happens. It is not to easy to kill off but it can happen. It will take some time