Red Slime and ARM calc reactor media,, any links?

[stnmasn]

Hey gang,
2 to 3 months ago I stopped limewater topoff and switched to a calc reactor for my calcium. I had a little red slime then, now I got lots. It isn't harming much but it sure looks bad. Did I read somewhere that ARM media may leach phosphates or silicates? Are either of these the culprits of red slime? I am thinking of using the kalk again for topoff, i believe I read that kalk may help to bind up phosphates.
I use all RoDi
have only 4 underfed fish
and change water every 2 to no more than 3 weeks when I am busy

Devon

 

[smcnally]

I've never heard of ARM causing cyano, but I suppose it's a possibility. Especially since I use ARM and have had cyano outbreaks about twice a year. How large is your tank, and how stable do your Ca and Alk levels stay?

 

[delta]

It might, But I would bet that it is something else, if you already had it brewing in your tank. How about some tank specs and parameters to help see the whole picture. Important parameters here would be phosphates & nitrates, but the whole run wouldn't hurt.

 

[stnmasn]

tank is 75 gal with a 30 gal sump.
installed reactor on april 29th
prior to may 19th my cal and alk had been reasonably stable at 10 to 12 dkh and cal at 480
i have been slack with the tests since the 19th so i dont know where the #'s are now but i think things may be a little low.

 

[stnmasn]

I suppose i jumped the gun with this thread. I dont have my parameters in hand, so its hard to know where to start.

I suppose I was just thinking out loud about the ARM media.

I am also wondering about the mulm in my sump. It was new in march but there is buildup.

 

[delta]

I suppose i jumped the gun with this thread. I dont have my parameters in hand, so its hard to know where to start.

I suppose I was just thinking out loud about the ARM media.

I am also wondering about the mulm in my sump. It was new in march but there is buildup.

Should be a regular maintenance to vacuum out the detritus in the bottom of the sump. Nothing but nasties in that stuff