Bright Green Algae

[JDRing82]

I set up a small 16g Biocube just over a month ago. Current parameters are 8.0 ph, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and <5 nitrates. Salinity is 1.025 and temp is 78. Tank has 2 clowns, a royal gramma, 2 turbo snails, and an emerald crab. The tank developed diatom algae about 2 weeks in but that has since completely cleared up. I did have a bacteria bloom that was cured overnight with UV. The water is clear but over the course of about 2 days, this bright green algae has developed on the live rock. Anyone else experience this around the same timeframe and have any suggestions? Even if that suggestion is leaving it alone

 

[Ajayabb]

Looks like green Cyanobacteria. Add flow to the area and make sure nutrient levels aren’t too high.

 

[moz71]

Does it blow off ? If not normal algae and let it run it’s course. My third tank just set up looked exactly the same. I think just film algae covering the new rock and will go away on its own

 

[Auquanut]

Does it blow off ? If not normal algae and let it run it’s course. My third tank just set up looked exactly the same. I think just film algae covering the new rock and will go away on its own

I agree. The bright white dry rock makes the algae visually pop more than you would see with more established rock. If you don't have corals yet, you could decrease your photoperiod to reduce its growth. You can also add to your CUC. A tuxedo urchin could help, but I personally would track your parameters and let the tank mature a bit before you take measures to eradicate the green glow.

 

[JDRing82]

Thanks for the input! Parameters are all good and I check them every other day at this point. The algae isn’t slimy and is hard to scrape off, I tried to get some to come off with my thumb nail to no avail. I’ll just watch and see at this point. Thanks again

 

[Dan_P]

Thanks for the input! Parameters are all good and I check them every other day at this point. The algae isn’t slimy and is hard to scrape off, I tried to get some to come off with my thumb nail to no avail. I’ll just watch and see at this point. Thanks again

It’s probably one of hundreds of microscopic algae that can grow on new, clean surfaces. Does not appear to be cyanobacteria. This is just the beginning of the stuff that will grow on surfaces in your new system. It will require a mix of knowledge and nerves of steel not to freak out and buy a miracle cure every time something new starts to grow.

 

[Danroo]

That’s good algae don’t worry about it it’s part of the maturing process add some snails and crabs to minimize its spread on the sand bed once coralline grows on top of it you won’t see it.