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Blue-Green Algae (Saltwater)
Cyanobacteria spp.
Family: Cyanobacteria
📍 Worldwide in marine aquariums and reef environments
Red, purple, or dark blue-green slime mats that smother the sandbed and rockwork with a slimy, oxygen-depleting film. Technically a bacterium. Caused by low nitrates, poor flow, and high dissolved organics. A 3-day blackout, hydrogen peroxide spot-treatment, and improved flow usually break the cycle.
Keeping this species
- role
- nuisance — urgent
- cause
- low nitrate, stagnant dead spots, excess organics
- control
- 3-day blackout, H₂O₂ spot treatment, improve flow, dose nitrate if below 1 ppm
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Natural Habitat Temperature
77°F — 81°F seasonal range · (Jan low, May high)