Algae id?

[Slm222]

I have this brown greenish slime taking over in the more brightly lit areas. Not sure what it is. It is not Dino, no bubbles extending up and no smell when I take it out and rub between my fingers.

 

[wkscott]

That is the dreaded Bryopsis, along with GHA green hair alga.

 

[Slm222]

Not Bryopsis. It's a slime.

 

[wkscott]

You most likely have multiple strains of alga growing. The one expanding via runners does look like Bryopsis however.
How long did it take for your tank to get into this condition?

 

[Slm222]

A decent while. As a little clarification. I have some chaeto and caulpera on the tank from the fuge. But that is covered in the slime and so is a gorgonia I have. I have been reefing for 5 years, and have had friends with bryopsis and I don't think I have bryopsis. I will agree I have gha and some turf algae, but even that is covered in the slime.

All in all the best I can assume is this stuff came up as I needed to replace some stuff on my ro unit. I noticed a clear slime in the di chamber. I'm wondering if that may be bacterial now and spread to my tank? Wouldn't think a bacteria in freshwater could survive in saltwater.......... ugh

 

[Slm222]

You most likely have multiple strains of alga growing. The one expanding via runners does look like Bryopsis however.
How long did it take for your tank to get into this condition?

I do appreciate the input. I don't want to come off as completely disagreeing with you because I didn't like your answer. The things that look like runners are strings from the infestation. It is slowly gotten like this. I can vacuum the sand and it comes back.