Red Slime Algae is a kind of cyanobacteria, one of the most common forms of bacterial life on the planet. Cyanobacteria is thought to be roughly three and a half billion years old and is responsible for much of the way current species have evolved. It is one of the most pervasive and enduring forms of life on the planet. When it is found in fish tanks or aquariums, it is commonly known as red “slime” algae. mykindredlife
Due to the nature of this kind of bacteria, it is regarded by most fish keepers and aquarium enthusiasts and very difficult to remove from an aquarium. Due to being able to fix atmospheric nitrogen, they are hard to remove by controlling nitrate levels alone. There are however a few ways which you can remove, if not control the presence in your aquarium.
1. Circulation: Proper circulation of your aquarium disturbs the bacteria, making it harder for the cyanobacteria to get a proper foothold, or increase their current one, in the aquarium. Employ a powerful filter and try to avoid any dead spots.
2. Disturbance: The microbes like nothing more to be left alone, so make sure you disturb them. This can be done by changing your substrate if your have plants. If you have never done this before, be very careful that you do not disturb your plants rooting. It is recommended that you start by replacing part, around one third, rather than trying to replace the entire substrate. Snails, bristle worms and other substrate “sifters” may be affective in aiding control.
3. Food: Be it blue, green or red slime algae, they all need food to survive, just like all forms of life do. Cyanobacteria care about organics in the water, which it is possible to disrupt by having a protein skimmer and treating your water with a charcoal media. This alone is not enough but as with No. 1, can aid with prevention or help control. diagnozujmy
4: Water Quality: High quality water, low in nitrates is not only good for your fish and keeps them healthy, but will also deprive nitrates from the cyanobacteria, which often leads to undesirable slime algae growth.
5. Maintenance: Regular water changes, charcoal filtration and active removal of any detritus aids in lowering nitrates and improves water quality.
6. Lighting: If it is possible to lower lighting without a harmful affect on the fish or to induce a “siesta” period with no lighting for several hours a day, this should also help control red slime algae as it is another effect which limits food production via photosynthesis.
