Help on algae identification

[Tim Olson]

I could use some help identifying what type of algae/bacteria this is.

My assumption is that it's some type of dinoflagellate, since it has bubbles. Although, it grows mainly of the sides of the tank vs. the rocks. Also, in the areas on the sides with no bubbles, it's a thin. brown film. I've been cleaning the sides every 5-7 days and the bubbles start coming back within a day,while the film takes longer to develop.

• The system is about 3 1/2 years old
• Nitrates range from 0.1 to 2.5 ppm
• Phosphates range from 0.01 to 0.05 ppm

Here's some pictures of what the algae looks like.

 

[Cstar_BC]

Have you added anything new to the aquarium ?

From what your describing I would think diatoms and the bubbles are just getting trapped

 

[samnaz]

I’m gunna guess Dino’s.

 

[Tim Olson]

The most recent thing I've added was Vibrant, starting on July 6th, then I dosed it every 2 weeks until August 10th. The algae started shortly after I started the Vibrant, but I kept on thinking it would go away if I kept all the parameters in check. Although, that obviously didn't happen. Also, I hoped it would go away once I stopped the Vibrant 13 days ago, but it doesn't seem to be slowing down yet.

I don't know much about Diatoms. I hope they're easier to treat than Dinos.

Thanks!

 

[Tim Olson]

I’m gunna guess Dino’s.

Whatever it is, it sure has been stubborn. I'd sure like to know for sure, so I know how to treat it. I've been assuming it Dinos and, therefore, have kept the nutrients up. I also have a relatively large UV reactor piped into the system. I had success with the UV reactor when I definitely had DInos about a year ago.

Thanks

 

[ScottB]

You could try the crude coffee filter dino test, but the only way to know for sure is to get a sample under a microscope at 400X. Any cheap student scope will do. One with a phone cradle (for pictures) is great.

Crude test:
Get some of the gunk and tank water in a jar
Shake vigorously. Harder so that the sample is hardly visible.
Pour solution through coffee filter into another clear glass/jar
Place jar under bright light source for 1-2 hours
If the stuff clumps back together it is dinos.

 

[Tim Olson]

You could try the crude coffee filter dino test, but the only way to know for sure is to get a sample under a microscope at 400X. Any cheap student scope will do. One with a phone cradle (for pictures) is great.

Crude test:
Get some of the gunk and tank water in a jar
Shake vigorously. Harder so that the sample is hardly visible.
Pour solution through coffee filter into another clear glass/jar
Place jar under bright light source for 1-2 hours
If the stuff clumps back together it is dinos.

Great suggestions ... I'll order a microscope today. I'll also, try the crude test, if I can find a coffee filter.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Looks like coraline with diatom film and air bubbles. Take a turkey baster and blow loose. Force to the overflow or net it up