What is this algae?

[Dave-T]

I have a new tank, it’s been cycled for 2 months, added fish and corals starting a couple weeks ago. I have this hairy brown algae growing on the rocks in high PAR areas. None on sand. Can anyone identify this?

 

[TwistedEnvy]

If it comes off pretty easy and is hair-like, it is probably green hair algae. I had it in my tank for a month or so, but my margarita snails cleaned it all up. Tangs, emerald crabs, and other hermits were on there as well, but it didn't go away really until the margaritas were added

 

[Lavey29]

2 month old tank would indicate diatoms which is the beginning of the ugly stages but can't really see well enough in video. Pic under white light would confirm.

 

[Dave-T]

I can’t see the video, can you? Here is a YouTube link:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtube.com

I had diatoms when I first brought the lights on, but I don’t think they were hairy like this.

 

[Spare time]

Looks like dinos imo. Do you know the phosphate level of the tank

 

[Lavey29]

I can’t see the video, can you? Here is a YouTube link:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtube.com

I had diatoms when I first brought the lights on, but I don’t think they were hairy like this.

Yes that's better. Just appears to be some basic brown algae in a new tank. Doesn't look like dinos but what are your current complete parameters? I would just get a diverse cleaner crew, add some pods and dose phytoplankton daily. You need to build your tanks biodiversity and microfauna. It would have been better to wait 4 months before light and coral to allow your tank to build diversity. You can use microbacter clean which works well on rocks for algae. You can expect various ugly phases of algae over the first year.

 

[Lavey29]

Looks like dinos imo. Do you know the phosphate level of the tank

You think? I didn't see bubbles or snotty look. Wouldn't it have hit the sand first?

 

[Rick's Reviews]

Yes, I assume it's a new aquriam (from video) easy peasy algae, turkey baster and blow it off all rocks, same on sandbed, let your filters suck it up, then clean filters tomorrow.
Stir/ comb over sandbed regularly to avoid algae sitting on top

 

[Rick's Reviews]

You think? I didn't see bubbles or snotty look. Wouldn't it have hit the sand first?

Nope, top down lighting it hits higher first, 'You Think'
Lots of information on algae control if search for it, especially new aquriam's
Have a look and keep us updated

 

[Lavey29]

Nope, top down lighting it hits higher first, 'You Think'
Lots of information on algae control if search for it, especially new aquriam's
Have a look and keep us updated

Most of the dino posts I see on here seem to hit the sandbed before the rocks. Probably due to flow in the tank being stronger on the rocks versus the sand. Now other basic brown and green type algae always hit the rocks and I'm sure this is because of your top down lighting quote. I wouldn't worry to much about basic algae on rocks in a new tank its just part of the first year evolutionary process and ultimately healthy for a tank to go through these phases too. Dinos excluded of course.

 

[Rick's Reviews]

Op says it's growing in higher par

 

[Rick's Reviews]

I have a new tank, it’s been cycled for 2 months, added fish and corals starting a couple weeks ago. I have this hairy brown algae growing on the rocks in high PAR areas. None on sand. Can anyone identify this?

 

[Rick's Reviews]

Most of the dino posts I see on here seem to hit the sandbed before the rocks. Probably due to flow in the tank being stronger on the rocks versus the sand. Now other basic brown and green type algae always hit the rocks and I'm sure this is because of your top down lighting quote. I wouldn't worry to much about basic algae on rocks in a new tank its just part of the first year evolutionary process and ultimately healthy for a tank to go through these phases too. Dinos excluded of course.

Op noticed it's from high par

 

[Rick's Reviews]

Most of the dino posts I see on here seem to hit the sandbed before the rocks. Probably due to flow in the tank being stronger on the rocks versus the sand. Now other basic brown and green type algae always hit the rocks and I'm sure this is because of your top down lighting quote. I wouldn't worry to much about basic algae on rocks in a new tank its just part of the first year evolutionary process and ultimately healthy for a tank to go through these phases too. Dinos excluded of course.

OP states it's not on the 'sandbed' only rocks, so I again will say maybe lighting.

In my opinion you will go through this phase no matter what but it's a good phase, it means your aquarium is coming to life/supporting.

Depending on how you want to proceed and which inhabitants/ fish you want to keep, this is a good sign,

 

[Lavey29]

Op noticed it's from high par

I know

 

[Lavey29]

OP states it's not on the 'sandbed' only rocks, so I again will say maybe lighting.

In my opinion you will go through this phase no matter what but it's a good phase, it means your aquarium is coming to life/supporting.

Depending on how you want to proceed and which inhabitants/ fish you want to keep, this is a good sign,

Yes, I know and I agreed. I was speaking in general terms in my last post. Algae needs lights and nutrients to grow. Flow not as important but if you supply the other 2 you can grow some algae in your tank.

 

[Rick's Reviews]

Yes, I know and I agreed. I was speaking in general terms in my last post. Algae needs lights and nutrients to grow. Flow not as important but if you supply the other 2 you can grow some algae in your tank.

OP is not looking to grow algae.
You have all the answers so I'll leave this to you
Good luck @Dave-T

 

[Dave-T]

Thanks everyone. There is pretty high flow throughout the tank. I know it’s normal to have algae like this, I just wanted to give it a name. So I can call it by name when I yell at it. I actually haven’t tried blowing it off so I’ll try that. That worked with the diatoms I had. It doesn’t look like it will blow off but worth a shot.

 

[Lavey29]

OP is not looking to grow algae.
You have all the answers so I'll leave this to you
Good luck @Dave-T

Of course not but in a 2 month old tank it's common and expected. It's no big deal but your confusing replies to my post are appreciated and I applaud your efforts.