What type of algae is this?

[Zpgrimm]

Hello All,

I am new to the hobby, and my aquarium has been up and running for about five weeks now. A couple of days ago I noticed a small patch of brown algae on my sand bed. Seemingly overnight, this brown algae is everywhere, and the strangest part is that I can simply brush it or blow it off with a turkey baster. Some of the algae patches have bubbles on top of them and when brushed away can be stringy when they hit the filter intake. I have already added several hermit crabs and a couple snails to try to appease the "problem". I am using RO/DI water and have been doing a 20% change of the water each week. Any help offered is appreciated. Pictures attached.

Thanks in advance!

 

[DancingShark]

Looks like diatoms. But the bubbles could be dinoflagellates.

 

[Zeal]

What are your water parameters?

 

[Swoody]

I'm gonna say that is is a bit early in this tanks life cycle to have Dino's....It looks like Diatoms to me...I would use a syringe and suck the bubble pieces up best you can and closely monitor. I've had algae like that before (both red and brown) and it nothing ever became of it (thank GOD!!!).

 

[mike werner]

welcome,it'd diatoms showing up as scheduled.your on your way good luck.