what are those

[Hammer]

hi to all, i found tat my sand bed has those red patch seem like red agel on the suface of my sand. how those things grown? are they harmful and how i can prevent them from forming. Thanks...

[blueheaven]

Those are probably cyanobacteria and they grow when you have excessive nitrates

[Gouldian]

hi to all, i found tat my sand bed has those red patch seem like red agel on the suface of my sand. how those things grown? are they harmful and how i can prevent them from forming. Thanks...

Ways of preventing Cyano.

1) Controlled feedings ie do not feed to much

2) Effective nutrient export ie a good skimmer

3) Good flow / eliminate dead spots ie a good power head/s to move the water within the tank

Hope that helps.

[huanjie]

A "quick fix" would be using the red-slime remover.

Its an effective quick fix,however , if condition is not improve, the cyano would return in a matter of time.

[ozy]

A "quick fix" would be using the red-slime remover.

Its an effective quick fix,however , if condition is not improve, the cyano would return in a matter of time.

Where do I get this Slime Remover?

[seafood]

QUOTE (huanjie @ Mar 15 2005, 12:14 AM)

A "quick fix" would be using the red-slime remover.

Its an effective quick fix,however , if condition is not improve, the cyano would return in a matter of time.

paisey...new to this hobby....abit confuse over the usage of the red-slime removal - to use or not to use ....

http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=30807

[Kelmen]

Read that some type of hermit crabs also take the Cyano as food.

Anyone have experience on this?

[huanjie]

paisey...new to this hobby....abit confuse over the usage of the red-slime removal - to use or not to use ....

http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=30807

thats really your choice

If you have occasion and expecting guests at hom, and want your tank to look nice quick, then you can consider using it as a fast solution.

As what the articles from SeaChem suggest on using UV and never use red slime remover because that would kill many algae and baterial,.. I don't know how using UV would not kills the "good" baterial but only the harmful ones...maybe because seachem don't have red-slime removing product ?

otherwise try to improve the water quality like what bro gouldian suggest, and you can monitor the improvement

My two cents worth...