Algae ID

[BurgerFish]

Hi,

New tank (3 months), slimy brown algae on rocks. Doesn't produce any oxygen bubbles.

No fish in tank, only hermits (blue legs, 20) and snails (5 turbo, 3-4 trochus/cerith).

Filtration via chaeto.

Any idea what's is?

Thanks

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hard to tell with heavy blue lights but I am assuming diatoms, which is typically associated with new tank setup. Are you able to blow off or loose with a turkey baster ?

 

[BurgerFish]

I can blow some, but not completely all.

 

[KJ]

DIATOMS:

Diatoms are just a natural things that happens in a new aquarium and will normally will subside with in a few weeks to a couple months.


ID: This Algae normally forms on the sand, glass and rock work of a new tank. It has a variety of colors from a dark reddish color to tan, brown and green. On a lot of occasions there will be oxygen bubble's trapped in the algae from photosynthesis.

HOW TO CONTROL IT:
Medium to strong flow across the sand bed and rock, and watch the amounts of Silicate being added to the system ( top off water and water change purity is the main cause for silicate being introduced to the system .

 

[Reefing Madness]

Agree, Diatoms

 

[BurgerFish]

Somebody eat diatoms?

 

[flsalty]

Somebody eat diatoms?

Trochus, cerith, and nerite snails all eat diatoms

 

[Reefing Madness]

Really no reason to be worried, they go away by themselves. Won't take long.