Algae identification

[mikev82222]

Grows like a weed can anyone Id this for me much appreciated

 

[wonroc]

The new tank uglies

 

[Jonify]

Kind of looks like Dinos, with those long filaments and bubbles, but not sure. First, what are your nutrient levels (nitrates and phosphates), and second, who new is your tank?

 

[Flux Capacitor]

I agree those look like dinos. Do you have a microscope? If so put a little under it and take a photo.

 

[cmoore806]

Did you treat the tank with anything to fight algae?

 

[mikev82222]

Kind of looks like Dinos, with those long filaments and bubbles, but not sure. First, what are your nutrient levels (nitrates and phosphates), and second, who new is your tank?

My nitrates are 0.18 and my phosphate are about 0.44

 

[Jonify]

My nitrates are 0.18 and my phosphate are about 0.44

Ah, your nitrates are too low and your phosphate is too high--that nutrient imbalance seems to create the conditions that allow Dinos to thrive, since nothing else is competing for nutrients at those levels. You can dose something like NeoNitro to get your nitrates up. Mature tanks can thrive with nitrates as high as 50ppm (which is shocking), but if you have a fairly recent build, then you're going to want it closer to .5 - 2.5ppm, so you don't have an all-out algae explosion in newer reefs. To reduce phosphates, you can do several water changes until you get it down to .03 - .1, or run phosphate removal media in a bag, such as PhosGuard or GFO, until you get to that same range, .03 - .1

Once you get your nutrients under control, you can let it recede on its own as other organisms outcompete the Dinos when you get to a balanced nutrient level, or you can start dosing a bacteria additive like Microbacter7 or Vibrant to speed up the outcompete. Some folks find running a UV filter completely clears it up, and for others, it doesn't. More info in this BRS video on managing Dinos.