Algae or cyanobacteria?

[sluggo61]

Is this algae cyanobacteria? Any clues how to get rid of it in a reeftank?

 

[Idech]

Not algae for sure. Probably cyano. Let’s wait for someone who's had to deal with it.

 

[DanyL]

Neither.
That looks like Dinoflagellate to me, unfortunately.
It can be quite difficult to battle, I highly suggest figuring out which type you have under a microscope and researching what work best the species you have.

But in general - UVC, Calcium Carbonate dosing and 5 micron socks should help in the battle, especially if it’s the roaming type.
You can also go the silicate dosing route.

But again - first find out what exactly you have then research what works best against it.

Edit: I looked again and I’m not sure if what I see are bubbles or not.
if there are - than my identification is correct, if not - than it’s likely Cyanobacteria.

 

[Idech]

Neither.
That looks like Dinoflagellate to me, unfortunately.
It can be quite difficult to battle, I highly suggest figuring out which type you have under a microscope and researching what work best the species you have.

But in general - UVC, Calcium Carbonate dosing and 5 micron socks should help in the battle, especially if it’s the roaming type.
You can also go the silicate dosing route.

But again - first find out what exactly you have then research what works best against it.

It doesn’t look like any dinos I’ve ever had. But as you say, id’ing under microscope is prime here.

 

[DanyL]

It doesn’t look like any dinos I’ve ever had. But as you say, id’ing under microscope is prime here.

I actually just edited my message after looking at the video again.

I’m kinda second guessing myself because what I thought were bubbles might also just be an artifact in the video.

 

[Idech]

I actually just edited my message after looking at the video again.

I’m kinda second guessing myself because what I thought were bubbles might also just be an artifact in the video.

I see no bubbles.

 

[DanyL]

 

[Idech]

I zoom on the video and still no bubbles. The OP will confirm or infirm when he comes back.

 

[taricha]

people always want to know if it's cyano or dinos.
but when you look at enough of these mats under a microscope you realize it can always be both! :p
(this looks like dinos to me)

 

[Science/G]

I was in the same situation a few months back with a very similar outbreak. I assumed cyanobacteria until a quick look at tem under a microscope confirmed Dinos. Ugghhh