Red slime algae in a reef aquarium can detract from the overall look of the tank.
It can also pose a threat to some corals, if they are not strong enough to fight it off it can eventually smoother them and cut off their light.
What Causes Red Slime Algae In a Reef Aquarium This algae is not an actual algae but a form cyanobacteria.
Many reef experts are unsure as to the exact cause of it but it is believed that like any normal aquarium algae it needs excess dissolved nutrients to feed on and grow.
And like other algae it needs an adequate light source for photosynthesis How Can I Get Rid Of It Red Slime algae has proven to not like high water flow and by simply increasing the flow in your reef tank you maybe able to get it to regress.
It is also very easy to remove by hand by simply scooping it out.
There have been some theories that older light bulbs may cause it to appear out of no where so if your bulbs are more then six months old changing them may have a positive affect.
There are also some animals that other reef keepers have claimed eat it.
These animals are the red legged hermit crab, the cerith snail and some reports have claimed that bi-color blennies will eat it as well.
Like anything in a reef tank it is hit or miss when adding animals to control algae, they may devour it or they may ignore it.
There are also chemicals that are marketed that claim to reduce or remove red slime algae in the reef aquarium.
But like any chemical it will only mask the problem and is not a long term solution.
And even if it claims it is reef safe there is a chance that any chemicals added to your tank could also kill sensitive coral or invertebrates so proceed with caution when using chemicals.