What Is This?

Dom · Jun 16, 2016

It is some sort of algae. Is it "red slime" algae?

Its in a 5 gallon nano I built

Can someone tell me what it is and how to deal with it?

twilliard · Jun 16, 2016

Try this and report back

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/positive-identification-of-cyanobacteria.253287/

dbl · Jun 16, 2016

twilliard said:
Try this and report back

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/positive-identification-of-cyanobacteria.253287/

Beat me to it Todd...was going to recommend the same thread!!!

twilliard · Jun 16, 2016

Gently (so you dont spread it) scoop up that spot and put in a glass.
the h2o2 will tell you what you have

saltyfilmfolks · Jun 16, 2016

cyano imo.
how to deal with it, Wait. If your under 6 mo, it a phase.
Standard nutrient control.
I put the small version of this on my 5 gal back when I had it as a fuge.
https://www.amazon.com/Marina-Hang-...90730&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=hob+breeder+small

Dom · Jun 17, 2016

Update...

H2O2 had no effect on the sample.

Dom · Jun 17, 2016

saltyfilmfolks said:
cyano imo.
how to deal with it, Wait. If your under 6 mo, it a phase.
Standard nutrient control.
I put the small version of this on my 5 gal back when I had it as a fuge.
https://www.amazon.com/Marina-Hang-...90730&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=hob+breeder+small

It is a new tank... 3 months at best... I'll wait it our over the summer and see if it is still an issue in the fall.

twilliard · Jun 17, 2016

Oh the good old spirulina at its best

Dom · Jun 17, 2016

twilliard said:
Oh the good old spirulina at its best

This is the good bacteria... right?

Dom · Jun 17, 2016

saltyfilmfolks said:
cyano imo.
how to deal with it, Wait. If your under 6 mo, it a phase.
Standard nutrient control.
I put the small version of this on my 5 gal back when I had it as a fuge.
https://www.amazon.com/Marina-Hang-...90730&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=hob+breeder+small

How did it help? Did you set it up as a refugium?

saltyfilmfolks · Jun 17, 2016

Dom said:
How did it help? Did you set it up as a refugium?

Yes as a refugium. It's a tried and true method of nutrient export. Pretty self regulating too.
The tank lights it mostly and I added little ikea 3200k reading light led. Cheap led strips work too.

Dom · Jun 18, 2016

I'm gearing up for a bigger build. I picked up a 55 gallon tank that I intend to set up as a sump, which will include a refugium.

twilliard · Jun 18, 2016

Dom said:
This is the good bacteria... right?

It is a good bacteria until it gets out of hand as it can create the same anaerobic conditions as cylindrospermum

Dom · Jun 18, 2016

twilliard said:
It is a good bacteria until it gets out of hand as it can create the same anaerobic conditions as cylindrospermum

Okay... this is out of control. The picture shows what has developed in 48 hours. Causes? Solutions?

twilliard · Jun 18, 2016

Oh my yes that is a little excessive
Have you done the good old chemiclean overdose yet?

twilliard · Jun 18, 2016

@cowboy

Come on in!

Dom · Jun 18, 2016

twilliard said:
Oh my yes that is a little excessive
Have you done the good old chemiclean overdose yet?

No... they started running chemi-pure elite about a week ago. How is chemi clean different and will it resolve the issue? Also, what are the existing conditions that allow this bacteria to thrive?

twilliard · Jun 18, 2016

Chemiclean is a antibiotic used to kill "red slime" it is not a carbon.
The needed condition is light.
These are photosynthetic
Here is a wiki quote
"
Spirulina thrives at a pH around 8.5 and above, which will get more alkaline, and a temperature around 30 °C (86 °F). They are able to make their own food, and do not need a living energy or organic carbon source. In addition, spirulina has to have an ensemble of nutrients to thrive in a home aquarium or pond. A simple nutrient feed for growing it is: