Got a microscope, help me ID?

[dwest]

I haven't had a chance to check parameters today, but I did get a better photo and a video with my cell phone...still don't know why the camera on my $300 microscope is so awful. This kind of looks like ostreopsis to me? Can anyone confirm?

I could see the pic, but not the video. I think you might have a mix in there. Let’s ask @taricha

 

[N2950H]

That's weird, it plays for me. I uploaded it to YouTube as well.

 

[dwest]

That's weird, it plays for me. I uploaded it to YouTube as well.

I could see the YouTube version. I can’t ID them well at all, but the motion looks like amphidinium to me. Let’s wait for better ID person. In the meantime, I would make sure the tank has measurable nitrates and phosphates ( measured with Hanna ULR phosphorous). Going back and reading, I see your tank is very new. They may just go way on their own.

 

[N2950H]

They have definitely started to dissipate on their own over the last couple of days, but I can't tell yet if they're completely going away. Is their coming and going in a new tank typical behavior? I thought once you had dinos they were difficult to get rid of.

 

[saltyhog]

The picture may contain more than one species. The video is definitely ostreopsis.

I strongly disagree that ID is not important. While general principles are similar throughout all species there are significant differences in some. Ostreopsis is very sensitive to UV and can often be controlled in a day or two. Amphidinium, is not sensitive to UV because it doesn't go in to the water column at night like other species do.

Anxious to see what @taricha says about the picture.

 

[N2950H]

The picture may contain more than one species.

The more I look at it, the more I think you are correct. This evening I will take a few more photos and see if I can get a clear shot of each different looking type of dino to aid in proper identification.

 

[erky]

the pic of the ostreopsis look exactly what was in my tank. I have been using Dino-X for the past week and it has significantly improved my tank, little to no recession to my macro algae also!

 

[N2950H]

Ok, checked the water again today and this is what I got:
NH3 - 0.15
NO2 - 0
NO3 - 0
PO4 - 0.17
pH - 7.80

Also, here are a few more (hopefully clearer) images. From my highly untrained eye, this looks like all ostreopsis to me.

 

[dwest]

Ok, checked the water again today and this is what I got:
NH3 - 0.15
NO2 - 0
NO3 - 0
PO4 - 0.17
pH - 7.80

Also, here are a few more (hopefully clearer) images. From my highly untrained eye, this looks like all ostreopsis to me.

I think ostreopsis and possibly others. UV will help. Although your tank is so new, you might wait and see if it gets outcompeted.

If you do decide to use UV, (while maintaining measurable nitrates and phosphates), we have had the best success with at least 1 watt of UV per every 3 gallons of system volume. Run from 1-3 tank volumes of water per hour through the unit from DT back to DT. I would also run some GAC to help reduce toxins.

 

[N2950H]

Thanks, dwest. I'll wait this out a few more days and see if things continue to improve before I work on a UV solution.

I'm not familiar with GAC?

 

[dwest]

Also, I don’t trust your test kits. You shouldn’t have any ammonia. I would get a Hanna ulr phosphorous checker for phosphates as well.

GAC is granular activated carbon.

 

[dwest]

Thanks, dwest. I'll wait this out a few more days and see if things continue to improve before I work on a UV solution.

I'm not familiar with GAC?

Agree. This might just be part of the new tank uglies that all tanks get. We are getting better at the ID of some of the culprits. Hoping it will go away for you...

 

[N2950H]

You don't trust my test kits, but I don't trust my eyes. For Ammonia, there is such a slight difference between 0 and the next step (0.15) in the Salifert test kit. It's new and within it's date, but I think I am the problem in that equation. It was probably 0 but I was being conservative in my judgement.

The Phosphates were checked with a Hanna ULR.

 

[N2950H]

Agree. This might just be part of the new tank uglies that all tanks get. We are getting better at the ID of some of the culprits. Hoping it will go away for you...

Thanks, I never realized the new tank uglies involved Dinos...I always thought those were diatoms, etc. Appreciate everyone's help, I'll just slow my roll and see what shakes out.

 

[dwest]

You don't trust my test kits, but I don't trust my eyes. For Ammonia, there is such a slight difference between 0 and the next step (0.15) in the Salifert test kit. It's new and within it's date, but I think I am the problem in that equation. It was probably 0 but I was being conservative in my judgement.

The Phosphates were checked with a Hanna ULR.

You are using good test kits. Ammonia is always hard IMO. Color changes are always hard for me for sure!

Good luck.

 

[N2950H]

Just a quick follow up. I let the tank run its course and pretty much all of the nasty stringy stuff is gone. I don't know if that means the dinos themselves are gone, but the tank does look much better.

 

[dwest]

Just a quick follow up. I let the tank run its course and pretty much all of the nasty stringy stuff is gone. I don't know if that means the dinos themselves are gone, but the tank does look much better.

That’s great news. Thanks. It reminds me that sometimes doing nothing is best.