Not sure what algae this is

[Jburak]

I've been battling this algae for over a month now. It is only growing on the rocks and not the substrate. I brush it off with a toothbrush and catch it in a net but it comes back within 2 days.

It is a slimy brown algae with some bubbles on it. The tank has been running for about two years now. I use a Viperspectra 8 hours a day 30% blue and 5% white.

 

[Pyrogens]

Looks like dinos to me. If that's the case, buckle up. One of the worst things to get in this hobby.

 

[Cali Reef Life]

What are your nitrates and phosphates there are several forms on fighting dinos. Any chemical treatments you did recently or are currently doing?

 

[Jburak]

Hi Cali,

I'm currently at work, I will post my nitrates and phosphates this evening. The only chemical treatment I tried was Chemiclean about a week ago since I had some lying around. I dose RedSea Energy Plus every other day and trace elements twice a week.

 

[Cali Reef Life]

Sometimes you get another organism that takes over after tackling another especially with chemicals. I would keep it simple dont let nutrients bottom out and as long as its not taking over clean as needed and ride it out not changing to much. Often too many changes causes a compounding affect if we change to much to quickly.

 

[Jburak]

Just tested Nitrates and Phosphate using Salifert test kits. Nitrates are high at 40 - 50 and Phos is at 0.25.

 

[Cali Reef Life]

lets try and lower those nitrates 10 to 25 or below

 

[Jburak]

It's a 40 gallon breeder. It's due for a water change this weekend. I will probably do about an 8 gallon change. I also have some Rea Sea No3 Po4-X but i will hold off on using that. Pyrogens thinks it could be Dinos, do you have any thoughts what it may be?

I work at an university and I'm thinking about taking a sample in for a marine biologist faculty member in the Biology department to take a look at the algae.