Algae ID

[L3leedingstar]

Pictures are less than 24 hours after a water change. This algae does not have air bubbles, but it has a distinct odor, and the picture of it on my hand is after the fish were fed and the feeding clip was taken out. It settles on anything and everything fast. Requires daily cleaning. What I have tried so far

Red slime treatment
No water changes
Frequent water changes
Test for silicates
2 different Rodi systems, one brand new
More lighting
Less lighting
Different spectrum of lighting
Less flow
More flow
Skipping feedings
New oversized skimmer
Changed sand bed
Probably alot more I'm forgetting, this has been as on going problem for over a year.

Tank has been set up for about 2 years using previously established rock water coral from my previous tanks so total age is probably 5 years. At this point I just want to know what this algae is!

 

[Zack K]

Looks to be Cyano from the silicates in the new sand. Similar to the "Ugly Faze" in new tanks. Do you have a sandifting goby?

 

[slipknotgrrl83]

Looks like cyano to me also

 

[L3leedingstar]

Old sand looked exactly the same, this new sand has been in there for about 6 months. If it is silicates what removes them? And would they really last this long? That is one thing I have not tried.

 

[L3leedingstar]

Yes sand sifter cannot keep up

 

[Kschmez]

Carbon dose. I'm huge on no pox from red sea.

 

[Zack K]

Water Parameters?

 

[L3leedingstar]

Calcium - 450
Alkalinity - 9
Nitrate - 6
Phosphate -. 03

Mg is only tested every 6 months or so and it's never low using coral pro salt.

I have carbon dosed in the past on another tank, however sps never thrived and always had burnt tips. I attributed it to the carbon dosing with the high alk of the coral pro salt which was 11 in that tank.