Algae Identification

[D_0827]

Hi, can someone help me identify this algae ?
Came back from vacation to it in my tank,
There is also some on the base of the hammer…

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi, can someone help me identify this algae ?
Came back from vacation to it in my tank,
There is also some on the base of the hammer…

I see what may be diatoms but video needs to be posted under white light as it is heavy blue with shimmer making it hard to see

 

[D_0827]

I see what may be diatoms but video needs to be posted under white light as it is heavy blue with shimmer making it hard to see

Is this video a bit better?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Is this video a bit better?

Yes- this is diatoms and often associated with new tank cycling and typically appear in a reef tank that has just completed its cycle but they can also appear in an established reef tank. They generally cover sand, rock, pumps and tank glass. Diatoms look ugly and in many cases are harmless so no need to panic when you see its presence.
Diatoms feed mainly off of silicates but also consume dissolved organic compounds, phosphate and nitrates. Unfiltered tap water contains silicates and will start a diatom bloom if you use tap water to mix salt or to replace water that evaporated from the tank. The best way to prevent this from happening is to filter water through a RODI unit, although you can still get a diatom bloom when using RODI if the cartridge that removes silicates expires.
Diatoms are typically harmless to a captive reef and can be beaten once their food source expires.
Some cleaner crew to help control it are : Cerith snails, Nerite snails and Trochus snails and also Astraea snails are effective at removing diatoms.