Algae Identification help (pictures)

[Ryan Friman]

Hello, I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction. I have done lights out a couple times and it seems to help for a while. Since then, I have let it go and I need to get it back under control.

So, I am hoping to figure out what type of algae it is and figure out the best clean up crew for it, or other steps to take to remove it. My corals are starting to look unhappy. Thank you.

 

[Ryan Friman]

It is almost like a layer of brown, hair algae all over.

 

[Ryan Friman]

Blue light was not the best choice. Here are some white light pictures.

 

[Scottybgood]

Those second pictures sure look indicative of Dinoflagellates. Do you have a microscope (even a $10 child's scope works)?
If no scope, try sucking some of it up with a turkey baster, then put in a cup, shake well to make it dissolve. Then filter through a coffee filter. Set the cup aside, and if the slime "re-assembles", then it is probably Dinos. There several ways to attack them, depending on what type it is (that is where the microscope identification is essential)

What are your water parameters..specifically NO3 and Phosphates?

 

[Ryan Friman]

Those second pictures sure look indicative of Dinoflagellates. Do you have a microscope (even a $10 child's scope works)?
If no scope, try sucking some of it up with a turkey baster, then put in a cup, shake well to make it dissolve. Then filter through a coffee filter. Set the cup aside, and if the slime "re-assembles", then it is probably Dinos. There several ways to attack them, depending on what type it is (that is where the microscope identification is essential)

What are your water parameters..specifically NO3 and Phosphates?

I will measure my nitrate when I get home. It has been at 2-5 every time I test. For my phos, it was .03 two nights ago.

I will do the experiment tonight to see if it does what you say. Otherwise, I will report back my findings tonight.

 

[JohnPeck]

Those second pictures sure look indicative of Dinoflagellates. Do you have a microscope (even a $10 child's scope works)?
If no scope, try sucking some of it up with a turkey baster, then put in a cup, shake well to make it dissolve. Then filter through a coffee filter. Set the cup aside, and if the slime "re-assembles", then it is probably Dinos. There several ways to attack them, depending on what type it is (that is where the microscope identification is essential)

What are your water parameters..specifically NO3 and Phosphates?

Could you elaborate on the microscope and ways to attack dinos? Maybe with pictures?
I know its an old thread.

 

[Scottybgood]

There are MANY species of Dino's but probably 5 or 6 common ones in aquaria that have been mentioned on R2R. Using the microscope to identify which one(s) you have (more than one type at the same time is not uncommon based on my ongoing battle) is key to how you take action to mitigate them. Some are easily affected by UV others aren't. Overall, based on the many discussion threads here, the key to "reducing" their presence is to give them competition, i.e., have enough nutrients in your water to allow other organisms (good bacteria, microfauna, and algaes) to flourish and outcompete the Dinos.

Check out the sticky thread in the nuisance algae forum on Dinoflagellates..it is LONG and full of great info, pictures, and many experiences good and bad in fighting them.

Hope that helps.

 

[JohnPeck]

There are MANY species of Dino's but probably 5 or 6 common ones in aquaria that have been mentioned on R2R. Using the microscope to identify which one(s) you have (more than one type at the same time is not uncommon based on my ongoing battle) is key to how you take action to mitigate them. Some are easily affected by UV others aren't. Overall, based on the many discussion threads here, the key to "reducing" their presence is to give them competition, i.e., have enough nutrients in your water to allow other organisms (good bacteria, microfauna, and algaes) to flourish and outcompete the Dinos.

Check out the sticky thread in the nuisance algae forum on Dinoflagellates..it is LONG and full of great info, pictures, and many experiences good and bad in fighting them.

Hope that helps.

Thanks so much!