What is this?

[shunshindev]

Hey guys any help in identifying what kinda algae this is would be great. Also is it harmful or just unsightly? Any recommendations how to get it to go away?

 

[brmreefer]

Looks like a film of bacteria. Let it play out as it will go away on its own if it is a bacteria bloom. Had similar when first implementing a carbon dosing regiment. Harmless.

 

[biggie4jets]

Looks like a film of bacteria. Let it play out as it will go away on its own if it is a bacteria bloom. Had similar when first implementing a carbon dosing regiment. Harmless.

Do you still dose carbon? Or did you stop? I got the same thing after dosing nopox and ended up stopping it

 

[brmreefer]

Do you still dose carbon? Or did you stop? I got the same thing after dosing nopox and ended up stopping it

I still carbon dose today. I heavily feed, so I need it to maintain NO3 lower. I have a thicker concentration of bacteria globules in my sump, but is usually pulled out when I change my filter floss.

 

[Sshannon]

I agree with @brmreefer , I had the same issue when I was dosing heavy carbon and NoPOX.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Its actually calothrix which is often confused as GHA or a bacteria. This is a species of cyano often appear as a light slimy yet hairy/fuzzy nastiness that loosely attaches to your rock work. At times, air bubbles are usually trapped while escaping the algae like substance.
It must be removed manually by scrubbing the rock with peroxide and a stiff brush such as an automotive detail brush and then fine tuning with a toothbrush.
Acquire some cleaner crew to get the rest. It helps to use a net to collect the debris that will occur as a result of the toothbrushing if any is suspended.
Recommended cleaner crew are - nerite snails, chitons and even a pin cushion urchin (may help).