Algae ID

[dbleoh7]

Can anyone ID this algae? It started a month ago in my year old tank and I can’t figure out what it is. It looks like mouse droppings but it is red and accumulates in areas of low flow.

 

[WheatToast]

Could you get pictures under white light (ex. with a flashlight?). It’s hard to tell for images 2 and 3, but the individuals in image 1 actually appear to be flatworms, not algae.

 

[dbleoh7]

Could you get pictures under white light (ex. with a flashlight?). It’s hard to tell for images 2 and 3, but the individuals in image 1 actually appear to be flatworms, not algae.

They don’t move and when you take a Turkey baster they easily fly off of rocks into the water and stick to rocks and the glass etch They are slimy. They aren’t flatworms I don’t think

 

[vetteguy53081]

It appears to bacterial and likely associated with Cyano.
Have you noticed it diminished overnite and then regenerates with lights on during the day. Cyano responds to light for fuel and it may be such case.
Other possibility is silicates

 

[WheatToast]

Still looks like flatworms to me.
@Mibu @Isopod80 what do you guys think?

 

[Goaway]

First picture looks like flatworms. The rest i agree with vetteguy
Edit: lots of flatworms.

 

[Goaway]

They don’t move and when you take a Turkey baster they easily fly off of rocks into the water and stick to rocks and the glass etch They are slimy. They aren’t flatworms I don’t think

If they hold shape, flatworms. Red slime will break apart and turn into thin stands. Will also stink. Syphon some out and place into a cup. Take some pictures.

 

[dbleoh7]

It appears to bacterial and likely associated with Cyano.
Have you noticed it diminished overnite and then regenerates with lights on during the day. Cyano responds to light for fuel and it may be such case.
Other possibility is silicates

I haven’t checked my RODI in 6 months so that’s likely it. I don’t know why my brain didn’t go straight to that

 

[dbleoh7]

If they hold shape, flatworms. Red slime will break apart and turn into thin stands. Will also stink. Syphon some out and place into a cup. Take some pictures.

I’ll do that tomorrow. They disintegrate when I smudge them against the glass and they’re slimy

 

[Goaway]

I’ll do that tomorrow. They disintegrate when I smudge them against the glass and they’re slimy

If they are flatworms, don't do that. They can be very toxic. Can kill your tank livestock.

 

[Goaway]

I’ll do that tomorrow. They disintegrate when I smudge them against the glass and they’re slimy

This really sounds like flatworms. Red slime breaks apart easy and forms into blankets.

Edit: some flatworms aren't toxic. Most are

 

[Isopod80]

Still looks like flatworms to me.
@Mibu @Isopod80 what do you guys think?

Everyone has made good points here. The thing that gets me is the comment about blowing them off and having them quickly stick to the glass after. That comment alone makes me think flatworms.

 

[dbleoh7]

If they hold shape, flatworms. Red slime will break apart and turn into thin stands. Will also stink. Syphon some out and place into a cup. Take some pictures.

Oh my god I put them in a specimen cup and they move. No way would I have thought they were flatworms but I've never seen them. This is going to be one terrible month if they turn out to be a serious problem considering my tank just had ich and it's fallow

 

[dbleoh7]

My corals are all doing really well though. They seem unbothered

 

[Isopod80]

Start by siphoning out as many as you can.

 

[Isopod80]

My corals are all doing really well though. They seem unbothered

Search red planaria flatworms for comparison. They don't eat corals. They only harm corals when the population becomes dense enough to smother the coral...which will likely happen if you don't deal with them.

 

[Goaway]

Search red planaria flatworms. They don't eat corals. They only harm corals when the population becomes dense enough to smother the coral...which will likely happen if you don't deal with them.

Exactly this. On the phone and can't type fast.

 

[Isopod80]

Oh my god I put them in a specimen cup and they move. No way would I have thought they were flatworms but I've never seen them. This is going to be one terrible month if they turn out to be a serious problem considering my tank just had ich and it's fallow

The fact that the tank is fallow is actually good news depending on how you decide to deal with them. Flatworm Exit is an option. You'll find plenty of info on here regarding its use if you search it.

 

[dbleoh7]

Search red planaria flatworms for comparison. They don't eat corals. They only harm corals when the population becomes dense enough to smother the coral...which will likely happen if you don't deal with

Search red planaria flatworms for comparison. They don't eat corals. They only harm corals when the population becomes dense enough to smother the coral...which will likely happen if you don't deal with them.

I suctioned a bunch up and I’ll have to do some research tomorrow