ID Algae for a Newb

Instigate · Oct 28, 2017

This is my first aquarium so I'm not well versed in what is good, bad, or normal for the "uglies" stage. Let me know. Thanks.

EriksOasis · Oct 28, 2017

Cyanobacteria. Is your tank really new? Increasing flow and reducing nitrates can help keep it at bay and get rid of it. Cyano comes and goes in newly established tanks.

Instigate · Oct 28, 2017

EriksOasis said:
Cyanobacteria. Is your tank really new? Increasing flow and reducing nitrates can help keep it at bay and get rid of it. Cyano comes and goes in newly established tanks.

I was kind of thinking some of it looked like cyano but wasn't sure. Is it all of the red? or just the darker red stuff? I put off the large WC after cycle for a bit too long I think. Tank is at 5ppm nitrate and .02ppm phosphate now but was off the chart nitrates for like a month. But this cyano didn't show up till after the WC. Just had diatoms before.

/Oh and tank has been wet for like 3 months, I'd have to check the log for an exact date.

Javy · Oct 28, 2017

Sorry for off topic question. But what are you using to take pictures ! They come out clear.

EriksOasis · Oct 28, 2017

What are you using for flow maybe increasing it will help while everything balances itself out in the tank.

Instigate · Oct 28, 2017

Javy said:
Sorry for off topic question. But what are you using to take pictures ! They come out clear.

Thanks! I've got a Sony a6300 and this shot was on the Sony E 50mm 1.8 oss. And when I take video I use a set of vintage Nikon lenses. I've been into photography for years and now that I've gotten into this I'm really wishing I didn't sell my macro lens! Been watching for a deal on a used one.

EriksOasis said:
What are you using for flow maybe increasing it will help while everything balances itself out in the tank.

I've got 4 800gph cheapo SUNSUN wave makers and my return is a Little Giant 4-MDQ-SC 850 gph but not sure what actual gph is after head pressure. But I'm only running two of the wave makers. I have a weird problem, when I run all 4 on the JBJ wavemaker controller the flow of the drain fluctuates with the other two wavemakers turning on and off. So I just turned two off till I can figure out what's going on with that. The two wavemakers on the left and right front seem to increase the flow of the drain. I have the SUNSUNs on constantly because they make a horrible sound when they're being turned on and off.

/Oh and I'm planning on getting some decent wavemakers, hopefully soon. Thinking Sicce because I have the AC wavemaker controller. But the DC Jebaos are tempting.