How to Remove Red Slime From a Salt Water Tank
- 1). Clean the tank walls and bottom using a siphon. Suck away as much dirt, red slime algae, and other algaes as you can. Because red slime algae does not stick well to the surfaces of the aquarium, it should be easy to dislodge and dispose of it.
- 2). Repeat the process of siphoning often to maintain a clean tank. Red slime algae will not spread if you remove it before it has a chance to grow.
- 3). Catch any floating pieces of red slime algae using a net. Swish through the water several times to make sure you have removed as much of the red slime algae as you can.
- 4). Preform partial water changes frequently by removing small amounts of tank water using a jug or bucket.
- 5). Pour in fresh, filtered water to replace the water you removed.
- 6). Repeat steps 1 and 2 until your tank water is cleaner. Use this process often to help maintain a clean tank and prevent red slime algae.
- 7). Feed your fish slightly less, in order to reduce the buildup of old food, dirt, and bacteria.
- 8). Replace any old filter materials. Do this regularly to ensure that the filters work properly and efficiently. Consider adding a filtration system that removes phosphates.
- 9). Increase the flow rate of your filtration system by replacing old parts or cartridges. A stronger flow of water in the tank can help reduce red slime algae growth. Consider adding a wavemaker if your filter system does not create enough flow.
- 10
Change any lightbulbs in your tank that are not designed for aquarium use. Run the lights for 8 to 9 hours a day. - 11
Introduce algae-eating fish or crabs to your aquarium. These creatures will reduce algae production in your tank, no matter what's causing it. - 12
Use a marine pH buffer to maintain a high pH level, between 8.1 and 8.4. Red slime algae won't grow well in water with a high pH. - 13
Add a red slime algae-removing product to your aquarium as a last resort. Only take this step if your fish are hardy, and you have no delicate creatures or plants in your aquarium. These products should help to diminish the red slime algae, but will not solve the underlying problem.
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