Using Bleach to Distinguish Bacteria from Algae Outbreak?

[stacksoner]

I'm trying to diagnose what I believe is blue-green cyano or some other bacteria, which looks and acts like many of the other algae outbreaks that make reefing life so enjoyable.

I used my microscope to view the samples and didn't see the filament-like structure that others have presented as algae.

When submerged in Clorox Bleach and water solution, the sample quickly turns into what looks like transparent snot. Is this reaction unique to bacteria? Would dinos and/or algae have the same reaction?

 

[GoVols]

I'm trying to diagnose what I believe is blue-green cyano or some other bacteria, which looks and acts like many of the other algae outbreaks that make reefing life so enjoyable.

lol!!

Clueless about using bleach for a diagnosis, but tagging...

Might want to post on Randy's forum.

 

[RJinPV]

Never heard of using bleach before as a diagnosis. If the algae forms mats that are easily removed from whatever it is growing on by just shooting it with a blast of water, then it is cyano.

 

[stacksoner]

Seems like the saltwater swimming pool universe has some opinions on this matter: https://www.swimuniversity.com/salt-water-pool-algae/

 

[EmdeReef]

You can use hydrogen peroxide to distinguish algae from dinos. I haven’t heard of using bleach either...

 

[stacksoner]

Here's a video of the gnarlyness going on in my tank.

Any ideas??