Algae that clumps to sand grains

[krayzie]

Hi guys

i was wondering if anyone could help ID this carpet rooting type of algae that is only on my sand bed, it seems to have roots that go down into the first few layers of the sand bed gathering sand grains

attached some photos of it in the tank, in a glass and under a microscope
ALK: 7.5
CAL: 410
MG:1350
Nitrate:7
Phosphate:0.07

thanks~~

 

[christinna77]

I had something similar during my ugly stage, it was only on my sand bed and clumping like yours: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/are-these-hydroids.1112831/. Never really figured out what kind of algae it was, but it completely went away on its own within like a month and I haven't seen it since.

 

[krayzie]

I had something similar during my ugly stage, it was only on my sand bed and clumping like yours: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/are-these-hydroids.1112831/. Never really figured out what kind of algae it was, but it completely went away on its own within like a month and I haven't seen it since.

Hey Christinna!

that looks some what similar to what i have, im thinking mine might be bryopsis

 

[EnterName]

How old is the tank? May this outbreak just be part of the ugly phase?

There are around 60 known species of Bryopsis, but also 20 of Derbesia and many other genera that could come into question. It will be difficult to properly identify but I don't think a precise identification is really necessary.

If it's the ugly phase: be patient and sit it out.

If the tank is well established:
- nutrient reduction
- copepods to break down detritus
- flow improvement to flush detritus into the filters
- manual removal
- algae refugium/scrubber/reactor
- etc.

If the problem persists for a long period of time even though you managed to get nutrients down to undetectable levels, you can think about more drastic methods like Fluconazole, but I would avoid this option if possible.

 

[krayzie]

Hi Mate,

The tank is 3 months old and i started with live rock but not live sand.

I have had Dino’s which i have beaten for 2 months now and this has taken its place.

It’s only on the sand bed and the same when i had Dino’s.

I’m a little cautious to lower my nutrients as they probably are considered low at the moment.

I gravel vac weekly when doing a water change

Pods i see 100s of them on the diatoms when i dont clean the glass for a few days but i do add them every few weeks when i go to the LFS

I have added a powerhead directly at a few places but it looks to just flip the mat upside down and clump up