Red Macroalgae cause a red layer of oil

[clowntrigger]

Hi guys

This question is intend to those that have red Macro algae in their Sump or refugium. Do you see that there is a layer of oil form on the water surface? When you use a plastic cup and scoup the water up, the side of the cup will be stain with the film of oil, usually light red in color is this normal? Or is it my red Macro algae is putting some chemical that I must be worried of? Please advised, thanks.

[Achilles Tang]

Some macroalgae are known to release stuff which could be toxic (not that serious but could affect a few corals) and could crash your tank or cause a nutrient overload.

That is why using carbon and skimming is important to remove them.

[clowntrigger]

Some macroalgae are known to release stuff which could be toxic (not that serious but could affect a few corals) and could crash your tank or cause a nutrient overload.

That is why using carbon and skimming is important to remove them.

AT, those red Macro algae that I have is the same as yours, do you encounter the same issues as me?

[Achilles Tang]

yup.

It's natural.

[clowntrigger]

As my macro are in the middle compartment in the sump, so do you suggest that I put the carbon there? I am just curious how does the skimmer skim it since it is a layer of oil on the surface? The skimmer intake is at the bottom and the layer of oil is on top.

[Achilles Tang]

Do have anything to break up the water surface?

Powerhead?

[TanGo]

Hehe.. Solution here