Need help with White Algae ID

[Kjgaeta]

I have a 13.5G Fluval Evo. It’s been up and running since May 12 of this year. About a Month back I noticed a white string type of algae and have tried to scrub it off the rocks and have had no luck. My corals were doing great but since this algae has gotten everywhere they haven’t been doing so well.

 

[kireek]

It may be a bacteria bloom that you are dealing with.

What triggers a bacterial bloom?

Been seeing a few threads lately on cloudy water and bacterial blooms being the cause, but what is actually triggering the bacteria to bloom? Could it be changes in weather and air temp, having Windows in the house open, having the heat come on? I have also had 3-4 days where my water seems to...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Kjgaeta]

It may be a bacteria bloom that you are dealing with.

What triggers a bacterial bloom?

Been seeing a few threads lately on cloudy water and bacterial blooms being the cause, but what is actually triggering the bacteria to bloom? Could it be changes in weather and air temp, having Windows in the house open, having the heat come on? I have also had 3-4 days where my water seems to...

www.reef2reef.com

That would make sense because it is in places without light as well. How would I go about dealing with this? It’s been on going for about a month or so. Thank you for your reply.

 

[kireek]

I think you have to install a UV sterilizer or just wait it out. #reefsquad ?

 

[Crabs McJones]

I think you have to install a UV sterilizer or just wait it out. #reefsquad ?

Agree. Wait it out or uv sterilizer. More frequent water changes may help as well to lower nutrients.

 

[Kjgaeta]

I used to do water changes bi-weekly but now I do it weekly. Might try to do every 2 weeks. Thank you for your help. Much appreciated.

 

[saltyhog]

I've had that a time or two. Once when I was carbon dosing, the other without any seeming trigger. On both occasions it resolved on it's own without any specific intervention. Be careful about lowering nutrients too much. There are things worse than bacterial blooms and algae.

 

[stanleo]

Hey @Kjgaeta , did this issue resolve itself? I have had the same issue for the last couple days. Mine also floats in the water and settles as white and stringy. Was that similar to yours?

 

[Kjgaeta]

Hey @Kjgaeta , did this issue resolve itself? I have had the same issue for the last couple days. Mine also floats in the water and settles as white and stringy. Was that similar to yours?

No I still have the problem. I was actually doing more research right now. I believe they are small white hydroids. They are irritating everything.if I scrub them they just fall elsewhere and keep spreading. I’m at a loss still.

 

[Kjgaeta]

Here are more images. The best I could get.

 

[stanleo]

It doesn't look like what I have going by those pics. Mine looks more like dirty snow or the fuzzies you get on a sweater. If that makes sense. I read that hydroids die off on their own. Hope that is the case with yours.

 

[Kjgaeta]

It doesn't look like what I have going by those pics. Mine looks more like dirty snow or the fuzzies you get on a sweater. If that makes sense. I read that hydroids die off on their own. Hope that is the case with yours.

I’ve had this problem for months. What does yours look like?

 

[stanleo]

I’ve had this problem for months. What does yours look like?

Can't get a good pic of it ATM, the light is about to go out and I hate messing with my lights cause it takes me forever to get them programmed. It kind of looks like fuzzy tinsel on a christmas tree. When I look at it with a magnifying glass it doesn't have a head like yours obviously does. I will try to get a pic tomorrow and post it.

 

[Kjgaeta]

Can't get a good pic of it ATM, the light is about to go out and I hate messing with my lights cause it takes me forever to get them programmed. It kind of looks like fuzzy tinsel on a christmas tree. When I look at it with a magnifying glass it doesn't have a head like yours obviously does. I will try to get a pic tomorrow and post it.

For sure. I’ll try and investigate a bit when you show a picture and see if I can help you.

 

[Bret Brinkmann]

Those are hydroids. I had them too. A few at first then they spread everywhere. After a while with no water changes, they all went away. Took several months.

 

[Kjgaeta]

Those are hydroids. I had them too. A few at first then they spread everywhere. After a while with no water changes, they all went away. Took several months.

You recommend no water changes?
I don’t think I can keep my phosphates in control w/o my weekly water changes.

 

[Bret Brinkmann]

You could use a phosphate media like GFO or Phosban.

 

[Kjgaeta]

I’m using Phos FX at the moment. Not sure what else to do at the moment. It’s very irritating.

 

[Bret Brinkmann]

One of the hardest parts about this hobby is the need for patience. I hate it too. You could try a freash water dip but I'm not sure how long you would need to dip for or how realistic that is for your situation.

 

[Kjgaeta]

Patience for sure. This is just one out of 4 Tanks i have. Been in his hobby for about 8 years and counting. I'm just going to let it ride and see how it goes for me. Thank you all for your help!