Hello R2R! Longtime lurker in need of some guidance and expert opinion. I have this nuisance algae in my tank that I am not sure if it is diatoms/cyno/dino etc. This is not my first tank but it's my first tank with a sustained algae problem that has been going on months with little change with anything I try.
Quick background:
180 mixed reef - sump - return - skimmer - alage scrubber - kessill lights - 3 x MP 40s - 150 pounds reef saver rock - 2-3 inch carib sea sand - rodi water - reef crystals salt.
Tank is about 7 months old. Went through normal cycle and diatom bloom. I used reef saver rock cured for a few weeks in a separate trash can. Take was basically algae free and "clean" when I started to add cleanup crew (snails) and some fish. Since then I have a handful of fish and "starter" corals and the fish are okay but the corals are now declining. They did great for about two months when this outbreak started and I have been fighting ever since.
The color of the algae under white light is a rusty brown. Under more blue light it still looks rusty brown with a hint of red. It does not appear to be a carpet fuzz or slimy. It looks like algae growing on each sand particle. When I suction up for water changes the algae does not come off easily. When you stir it in appears dusty and turns the water a rusty/brown/red color. Turning off the lights for 3 days had no effect.
The rocks are pretty clean with tons of coraline and the glass does not grow excessive algae. Snails have been doing a good job.
I've included some photos under different lighting for help. Any questions please ask I will respond asap!
Thanks
Quick background:
180 mixed reef - sump - return - skimmer - alage scrubber - kessill lights - 3 x MP 40s - 150 pounds reef saver rock - 2-3 inch carib sea sand - rodi water - reef crystals salt.
Tank is about 7 months old. Went through normal cycle and diatom bloom. I used reef saver rock cured for a few weeks in a separate trash can. Take was basically algae free and "clean" when I started to add cleanup crew (snails) and some fish. Since then I have a handful of fish and "starter" corals and the fish are okay but the corals are now declining. They did great for about two months when this outbreak started and I have been fighting ever since.
The color of the algae under white light is a rusty brown. Under more blue light it still looks rusty brown with a hint of red. It does not appear to be a carpet fuzz or slimy. It looks like algae growing on each sand particle. When I suction up for water changes the algae does not come off easily. When you stir it in appears dusty and turns the water a rusty/brown/red color. Turning off the lights for 3 days had no effect.
The rocks are pretty clean with tons of coraline and the glass does not grow excessive algae. Snails have been doing a good job.
I've included some photos under different lighting for help. Any questions please ask I will respond asap!
Thanks
