Which algae is this?

[FortLivingRoom]

Is this something I should be worried about, or just part of the ugly stage? Tank is 5 months old nitrate is 10 and phosphate checker is in the mail.

 

[Idoc]

Correct answer to your question...maybe a problem, maybe not. It's difficult to identify this type of algae from a picture alone. Microscope pics are much better and precise. At 5 months old, you could be having a big diatom bloom, but depending on parameters and how the tank started, you could be dealing with a dino outbreak. Many of these things look very similar. If you can get ahold of a microscope, take a few pics and post them...much better to tailor a treatment plan!

 

[Suohhen]

Agreed, we'd need a whole lot more details but your better off getting scientific about it than working off assumptions. Microscopes have gotten affordable and if it is diatoms your in for a show because those things are sexy. The one other method I've seen they works is detailed here.

Helpful Method for Identifying Dinoflagellates

There have been dozens (probably hundreds) of posts from people trying to identify dinoflagellates in their aquarium. I have posted this in other threads but figured it might be helpful to start a thread explaining this method. Dinoflagellates are single-celled organisms that aggregate to form...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[FortLivingRoom]

Correct answer to your question...maybe a problem, maybe not. It's difficult to identify this type of algae from a picture alone. Microscope pics are much better and precise. At 5 months old, you could be having a big diatom bloom, but depending on parameters and how the tank started, you could be dealing with a dino outbreak. Many of these things look very similar. If you can get ahold of a microscope, take a few pics and post them...much better to tailor a treatment plan!

I just so happened to have bought one for my 5yo for Christmas Hopefully I can get some decent pics to upload.