- Joined
- Mar 29, 2019
- Messages
- 45
- Reaction score
- 25
I have two types of problem algae going on and am looking for help identifying what these are and what the fix is.
Background on tank:
Was fighting GHA outbreak and now nutrients are very low. I believe nitrate fully bottomed out but is coming back up now at 0.025 to 0.05 on ReaSea test key and phosphate was a little high in the 0.12 range but has stabilized at 0.04 for GFO reactor. Trying to just feed heavier. Looking to add fish as only have a pair of 25+ yr old clowns, a 4.5-5" Blue Hippo, a YWG with tiger pistol shrimp and a mandarin goby in a 75 gallon tank with 20 long sump.
Problem 1: Top of tank showing a brown slime algae with bubbles I suspect is dinos. I purchased a microscope to help identify type after researching here on solutions. Small? roundish cells that do not swim around. Thought Coolia but supposed to be low on sand bed and low on bubbles from @taricha PDF I found in another post so maybe not. Maybe not best pic but havent used a scope or made a specimen slide in 30+ years so this is first attempt. Any pointers on taking better images welcome.
Problem 2: On sand bed dusting but clumps and doesnt break up when blasting so dont think it is diatoms. This one is definitely swimming. Smaller cells than the previous algae in problem 1. Possible Amphidinium? My MOV file from iPhone video seems to not want to upload here.
Solutions:
Not sure if UV would help as not sure these are free swimming after dark. I dont see a reduction at night on sand and more growth after some amount of lights come on. May have to watch closer.
Not sure if the H202 path would be best but thinking of trying this. Have seen 1 ml per 10 gallons suggested and worked for other posters without coral impact. I have only a few LPS and SPS as still trying to covert from FOWLER to mixed reef tank but dont want to lose what I have started.
Thanks in advance for any feedback or suggestions.
Background on tank:
Was fighting GHA outbreak and now nutrients are very low. I believe nitrate fully bottomed out but is coming back up now at 0.025 to 0.05 on ReaSea test key and phosphate was a little high in the 0.12 range but has stabilized at 0.04 for GFO reactor. Trying to just feed heavier. Looking to add fish as only have a pair of 25+ yr old clowns, a 4.5-5" Blue Hippo, a YWG with tiger pistol shrimp and a mandarin goby in a 75 gallon tank with 20 long sump.
Problem 1: Top of tank showing a brown slime algae with bubbles I suspect is dinos. I purchased a microscope to help identify type after researching here on solutions. Small? roundish cells that do not swim around. Thought Coolia but supposed to be low on sand bed and low on bubbles from @taricha PDF I found in another post so maybe not. Maybe not best pic but havent used a scope or made a specimen slide in 30+ years so this is first attempt. Any pointers on taking better images welcome.
Problem 2: On sand bed dusting but clumps and doesnt break up when blasting so dont think it is diatoms. This one is definitely swimming. Smaller cells than the previous algae in problem 1. Possible Amphidinium? My MOV file from iPhone video seems to not want to upload here.
Solutions:
Not sure if UV would help as not sure these are free swimming after dark. I dont see a reduction at night on sand and more growth after some amount of lights come on. May have to watch closer.
Not sure if the H202 path would be best but thinking of trying this. Have seen 1 ml per 10 gallons suggested and worked for other posters without coral impact. I have only a few LPS and SPS as still trying to covert from FOWLER to mixed reef tank but dont want to lose what I have started.
Thanks in advance for any feedback or suggestions.