New weird algae - ID?

[lba4590]

Tank is about 5-6 months old, have been through plenty of diatoms, cyano, green stuff, and most has cleared up.. but now I’m dealing with this weird stuff. It does not have bubbles in it, and seems to start as a flat “leaf” sort of shape, and grows upwards into strands. Any ideas?

 

[ScubaFish802]

I can't view the video for some reason but am going to guess Ulva maybe. Is it possible you could post pics?

 

[daybreaksky]

looks like snot in the current. very dino like

 

[lba4590]

Not sure if the video will work but here’s a link if not:

 

[Tankkeepers]

I would agree very much dinos like

 

[ScubaFish802]

I would agree very much dinos like

Definitely not Ulva lol, if you have a microscope you could post a photo of it under that and that would give a sure answer on what to do

 

[Tankkeepers]

Ulva looks alot like lettuce just so you know it the future

 

[lba4590]

I would agree very much dinos like

Nooooo! My nitrates and phosphates have been low but never hit zero! This stuff is spreading like mad too. I guess I will look and see if anything changes when the lights turn off tonight to help me identify.

 

[serwobow]

Nooooo! My nitrates and phosphates have been low but never hit zero! This stuff is spreading like mad too. I guess I will look and see if anything changes when the lights turn off tonight to help me identify.

I think I have this exact same stuff. I siphon it out, and it takes about 3 days to grow back. To me, it looks different than standard dinos (which I have had before) because it doesnt have as many air bubbles, and for me at least, it doesnt spread as much, but grows here and there in clumps. It also seems to be less toxic than either typical dinos or typical cyano, and even acros seem to do fine with this stuff tangling around them. My tank has high silicates (because of my top-off water), so I was thinking it might be some form of diatom. Do you know if you also have high silicates? Good luck with it. I haven't found anything that likes to eat it yet. My snails and emerald crabs leave it alone. Was thinking of trying an algae blenny.

 

[lba4590]

I think I have this exact same stuff. I siphon it out, and it takes about 3 days to grow back. To me, it looks different than standard dinos (which I have had before) because it doesnt have as many air bubbles, and for me at least, it doesnt spread as much, but grows here and there in clumps. It also seems to be less toxic than either typical dinos or typical cyano, and even acros seem to do fine with this stuff tangling around them. My tank has high silicates (because of my top-off water), so I was thinking it might be some form of diatom. Do you know if you also have high silicates? Good luck with it. I haven't found anything that likes to eat it yet. My snails and emerald crabs leave it alone. Was thinking of trying an algae blenny.

I am glad I’m not the only one dealing with it! The issue has definitely worsened since making this thread. Long snotty strands and blobs cover all the rocks. I have been doing a ton of research, and I believe it may be either a form of diatoms or chrysophytes, leaning a bit towards the latter. I’ve been scrubbing the rocks every 2 days at night and allowing a new filter sock to catch it, and adding Microbactor clean and it doesn’t seem to be helping much. I think both use silicates so I’m sure I have them in my tank, but I’m hopeful that by not doing water changes they can use up all the silicates in the water? Not entirely sure how that works. I’m also dosing phytoplankton to see if that helps, but that seems to be more useful for dinos. So far not much seems to be helping, and my snails and crabs definitely leave the stuff alone.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Appears to be chrysophates and likely started out as diatom and your phosphate and nitrate were zero starting this mule like phase.
Similar to Dino treatment, here is recipe which is easier than it looks:
The most effective route and sure fire way to getting rid of chrysos is to have GFO, toothbrush, and a canister filter(is best option). If you don't have a canister filter, switching filter socks or floss, can work too.
Also keep in mind that after adding GFO and midway through 24 hours, you need to check alkalinity. You'll be adding full amount of GFO for recommended tank size and alkalinity will drop a little more than normal. Remember and record times to test dkh before and during GFO.

Day 1
First thing, scrub rocks with a toothbrush while filtering with canister or floss. Remember to check floss or sock for clogging. Make sure you get as much out as possible. Wait till tank clears.
Perform black out. (ie: cardboard, trashbags, no light, etc)
Add recommended amount of GFO for tank size to overflow or reactor. Start 24 hour timer.
Day 2
First thing, check alkalinity if you haven't.
Prepare to turn GFO off.
Day 3
Or 72 hours later, remove black out procedures.
Slowly acclimate the lighting back to normal to reduce stress.
Your snails should start eatingwhat's left.

 

[lba4590]

Appears to be chrysophates and likely started out as diatom and your phosphate and nitrate were zero starting this mule like phase.
Similar to Dino treatment, here is recipe which is easier than it looks:
The most effective route and sure fire way to getting rid of chrysos is to have GFO, toothbrush, and a canister filter(is best option). If you don't have a canister filter, switching filter socks or floss, can work too.
Also keep in mind that after adding GFO and midway through 24 hours, you need to check alkalinity. You'll be adding full amount of GFO for recommended tank size and alkalinity will drop a little more than normal. Remember and record times to test dkh before and during GFO.

Day 1
First thing, scrub rocks with a toothbrush while filtering with canister or floss. Remember to check floss or sock for clogging. Make sure you get as much out as possible. Wait till tank clears.
Perform black out. (ie: cardboard, trashbags, no light, etc)
Add recommended amount of GFO for tank size to overflow or reactor. Start 24 hour timer.
Day 2
First thing, check alkalinity if you haven't.
Prepare to turn GFO off.
Day 3
Or 72 hours later, remove black out procedures.
Slowly acclimate the lighting back to normal to reduce stress.
Your snails should start eatingwhat's left.

Awesome, thanks for this!! Should I continue running the protein skimmer the whole time? Avoid water changes or would that help?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Awesome, thanks for this!! Should I continue running the protein skimmer the whole time? Avoid water changes or would that help?

Skimmer- yes
Hold water change until you’ve beat this stuff then you can do a cleanup

 

[KellyCorals]

No water changes for a while is good advice. I had to do a 3 day out and then 2 days lights on and then off for 3 more.