Getting a little concerned

[Trent]

I'm getting concerned about the build up of red stuff on my glass and sand. Cyano or normal cycle? I don't want to get excited:cool:
If cyano perhaps a fighting conch or two may help besides massive water changes. any thoughts on this?

[IJO]

Hi trent...

I was at BigAls last night (got 2 blood shrimp) and notice one of their tanks was covered in this red algae... The guy said a protien skimmer would get rid of the problem... I'm thinking your situation will prolly get worst if you don't tackle it now... I'll keep an eye on this thread as I'm interested in others opinions also.

IJO

[Trent]

Ya thanks IJO. My system is a little over one month old and has a low bio load. But I still may need a protein skimmer. I will build one if need be.
Need more input.

[ajx22]

What you are seeing is Cyanobacteria - Red Slime Algae (though it's NOT an algae).

A protein skimmer will help a bit...but only if it's a very good one - such as a MyReef, Precision Marine or MTC (to name a few). A normal Berlin or the like will not skim enough to make a difference.

It is common in new tanks, but is the result of a few issues.

1.) You have a source of Phosphates somewhere. Are you using RO/DI water that you know is from fresh filters? If not...this would be a good place to start. If you know that your water is not the cause...then something else is adding the DOC's to your water.
2.) You have added a refugium...this should help over a bit of time by removing the excess nutrients from the water column.
3.) Are your lights new or less then a year old? If they are not...they may have shifted spectrum and could be adding to the growth.
4.) Increase the circulation in the tank. Cyano will only form when there is lower circulation areas.

Try to siphon as much as possible out - and be prepared for an ongoing battle. While it is not the easiest foe to defeat...patience and sticking to the siphoning WILL result in success.

Feel free to contact me for further help/details.

HTH

[Trent]

Thanks AJ. I believe it could be a combination of old bulbs and water from the tap.

[ajx22]

Just give me a call Trent...I can help you fix both of those problems! :D

[Trent]

Thanks for the offer AJ ($) ;)
RO/DI filter has been ordered. That will help the most.
I needed to add a hose adapter for my current location.
I will be moving at the end of the year.
As for the bulbs they're less than a month old.
But still the bulbs are of an incorrect spectrum to be efficient I am told. Cool white for an office. I would run the 400W MH but as was suggested by Flavio, the light concentration would be too great for my mere 65 Gallons (+14G w/ 'fuge).
Question is: Even after the addition of clean water could I still have difficulty with bad bacteria and algae on the sand and glass due to the lights?

[afss]

I tend to dissagree that the 400 watts would be too much. Yes I agree that you don't need that much, but if you were to mount the light a bit higher than normal then you would be able to light the tank. you would probably need a different bulb (color spectrum) than you currently have. It may not be the most efficient way to light the tank as you don't really need that much light, but I know that lots of people light smaller tanks with 2 250's or 2 175's (500 or 350 watts). If you were to center mount and raise it up a bit from the water and build a reflector for that situation then you would deffinetly be able to light the tank. Oubviously the center would be brighter than the ends.

Scott

[Trent]

You got it Scott. That was my plan. But since I heard conflicting thoughts, I wan't to get more opinions.
my new digs will have lots of ceiling room for lighting.