Pls tell me these are not dinos

Jahalu · May 23, 2016

The heaviest matting (which I'm fairly certain is cyano) is happening in a low flow area. But there is a red-brown hue covering my sand in many areas. I'm concerned because several hermit crabs are acting weird- alive, but in a stupor. Moving very slowly, like they are drugged. Parameters aren't showing anything obvious. Phosphates are not measuring, nitrates are at 5ppm. Other than moving some rocks and trying to fiddle with my flow pattern, I haven't done anything to treat yet. Any thoughts? Is thus just cyano? Thanks.

shoelaceike · May 23, 2016

To me it look like cyano and diatoms but I'm no expert.

Greatreefer · May 23, 2016

Kinda' looks like either DINO's or Cyano...
Here's what I would try:
1: manually remove as much of the algae as you can with a small syphon and then see how long it takes for it to grow back.
2: increase your water flow and see if that helps decrease the algae.

twilliard · May 23, 2016

Those are not dinoflagellates

Common error is calling anything red cyanobacteria
It can either be cyano or spirulina

Greatreefer · May 23, 2016

Can you post a fall tank shot?
What type of flow do you have on your system?

twilliard · May 23, 2016

Jahalu said:
The heaviest matting (which I'm fairly certain is cyano) is happening in a low flow area. But there is a red-brown hue covering my sand in many areas. I'm concerned because several hermit crabs are acting weird- alive, but in a stupor. Moving very slowly, like they are drugged. Parameters aren't showing anything obvious. Phosphates are not measuring, nitrates are at 5ppm. Other than moving some rocks and trying to fiddle with my flow pattern, I haven't done anything to treat yet. Any thoughts? Is thus just cyano? Thanks.

The abnormal behavior of the CUC may be from a buildup of hydrogen sulfide

ngvu1 · May 23, 2016

These are not dinos

Jahalu · May 23, 2016

Here's a fts. I have an mp40 on right side of photo. The drilled return is on the left. I keep the vortech on reef crest at about 60%. I was thinking about moving the vortech to the right side wall to help with flow. Some additional info:
I regularly vacuum the sand bed. The cyano seemed to intensify after I replaced my mag7 with an eheim compact 3000. I don't use a heater on my tank- temp ranges from 77-80. Not sure if the temp fluctuation can affect this. Tank ran a little warmer with the mag 7. I appreciate all the input everyone.