RED SLIME - Can't get rid of it!

[JVReef]

I have a well established tank (75 gal) that has been running for 12 years. I have been getting Red Slime for the past few months and have tried close chemistry monitoring, ChemiPure treatments w/water changes, physical removal then Chemipure treatments.

And.....after 1-2 weeks it is back.

Any input from the pros?

Thanks in advance.........

 

[dnjan]

Just a guess - do you have a sandbed?

Plus, please post more details, including test results (including test kit brand), skimmer, macro in sump, etc.

 

[JVReef]

I'm running the following systems:

stage 1: 200 micron - Diatone filter bag
stage 2: 2 CPR protien Skimmers in Sump
exit: 2 x Eheim 1260 pumps - 1300 GPH
* pumped through a Loc-line manifold (excellent flow distribution)

Lighting: 2 x 250 watt MH w/ 2 90W Actinic power compacts

Test results:

Temp: 78*
PH: 8.0
CA: 400
ALK: 2.63
KH/dKh: 7.2
MG 1380
SG: 1.022

 

[dnjan]

Do you have a sandbed?

 

[apollothesun]

do you notice the alkalinity dropping constantly? do you have a sandbed?

 

[JVReef]

My base is Aragonite

 

[dnjan]

So my guess is that you have slowly accumulated detritus in your sandbed, which is decomposing and releasing (primarily organic) nutrients into your tank. These organics can slowly oxidize to CO2, but before that happens they are being taken up by the nuisance algae.

So, you could attempt to oxidize them as fast as they come out of the sandbed (ozone, or other similar approaches), or you could siphon out the contaminated sand.

I would recommend (and have periodically done) the latter. I siphon out to a dept of about 3/4", and I siphon out no more than about a quarter of the total sand area each week. After siphoning out, I replace with new, clean sand.

By the way - one of the steps in the oxidation process is organic acids, which will tend to decrease your alkalinity. Watch out for a major alkalinity drop.

 

[chend2]

DOCs baby! Can't have red slime without em!

 

[JVReef]

DOCs baby! Can't have red slime without em!

Yo Bro.....how about translating!

 

[gas4544]

DOC - Dissolved Organic Compounds

 

[kebber1223]

Red Slime problem

I had a problem with red slime in my 150 gallon reef tank and got rid of it with the following steps:

1. physically remove the big pockets of red slime or by siphoning it out
2. remove all chemical filter media and use chemi-clean and apply as directed
3. after a few days, do a 25% water change and siphon out the top layer of exposed sand and replace with new live Caribsea sand
4. you may have to do another dosage of chemi-clean, but this should help.
5. you should turn over the sand bed every week by just using a stick or something, but do it lightly so as not to release too much dissolved organics

This has worked for me.