Dinos? Hair algae?

[seaturtletom4]

Current parameters
Salinity 1.025
Nitrate 0
Phos 0
Mag 1350
Alk 9
Ph 8.2
Cal 425
Started a few days after upgrading my lighting. Tank is 6 months old

 

[Fish Fan]

A lot of R2R members feel that running zero nitrate and/or phosphate invites dinoflagellates. I'd suggest increasing those levels.

Good luck!

 

[seaturtletom4]

A lot of R2R members feel that running zero nitrate and/or phosphate invites dinoflagellates. I'd suggest increasing those levels.

Good luck!

So the brown stuff I’m seeing is Dinos ?

 

[Sam7]

So the brown stuff I’m seeing is Dinos ?

To hard to tell by the pictures

 

[Fish Fan]

So the brown stuff I’m seeing is Dinos ?

That's not always an easy diagnosis from just looking at pics, but my guess would be yes. I don't see Green Hair Algae (GHA), though if your tank is new you may also be seeing some diatoms in there too.

Either way, Dinos, I believe, are the much more difficult pest to deal with out of pretty much all the options, so I'd try to address the Dinos as a priority

 

[seaturtletom4]

So the brown stuff I’m seeing is Dinos ?

To hard to tell by the pictures

Is there a way I could get a for sure ID?

 

[seaturtletom4]

So the brown stuff I’m seeing is Dinos ?

That's not always an easy diagnosis from just looking at pics, but my guess would be yes. I don't see Green Hair Algae (GHA), though if your tank is new you may also be seeing some diatoms in there too.

Either way, Dinos, I believe, are the much more difficult pest to deal with out of pretty much all the options, so I'd try to address the Dinos as a priority

Okay thanks! Do you have a recommended treatment plan for those? Or would raising my nutrients fix it?

 

[Sam7]

Microscope and an id of species or strain rather

 

[Fish Fan]

Is there a way I could get a for sure ID?

A good way to ID Dino's is with a microscope. Some say that different Dino's require different tactics, and it's best to first identify what you have growing. Honestly, a $30 kids microscope from a toy store is all you need for this. But there are more general ways to beat back these nasties, though it may take some time.

Yes, many believe that bottoming out (running at zero) your nitrate and/or phosphate invites Dions. I would look into raising both of those values, that's good for coral health too, if you have or want corals.

 

[seaturtletom4]

Microscope and an id of species

Great, thank you!

 

[seaturtletom4]

Is there a way I could get a for sure ID?

A good way to ID Dino's is with a microscope. Some say that different Dino's require different tactics, and it's best to first identify what you have growing. Honestly, a $30 kids microscope from a toy store is all you need for this. But there are more general ways to beat back these nasties, though it may take some time.

Yes, many believe that bottoming out (running at zero) your nitrate and/or phosphate invites Dions. I would look into raising both of those values, that's good for coral health too, if you have or want corals.

Perfect, buying a microscope is the first thing on my agenda for tomorrow. Thanks again!

 

[Dan_P]

Current parameters
Salinity 1.025
Nitrate 0
Phos 0
Mag 1350
Alk 9
Ph 8.2
Cal 425
Started a few days after upgrading my lighting. Tank is 6 months old

Looks like hair algae but dinoflagellates could present as well

 

[Subsea]

Okay thanks! Do you have a recommended treatment plan for those? Or would raising my nutrients fix it?

Raising nutrients is first step. Opportunistic algae’s thrive when desirables are nutrient limited. The second step is scheduled husbandry like vacuum sand-bed during partial water changes.

In looking at your pictures, I assume you started tank with dry sand & dry rock and used bacteria in a bottle. For long range sustainability, consider inoculating your system with diver collected live rock and while at it, build up your clean up crew of janitors.

@seaturtletom4
If you want detailed help, then detail how you cycled your 6 month new tank.

Also, consider starting a tank journal in members tank forum.

 

[seaturtletom4]

Current parameters
Salinity 1.025
Nitrate 0
Phos 0
Mag 1350
Alk 9
Ph 8.2
Cal 425
Started a few days after upgrading my lighting. Tank is 6 months old

Looks like hair algae but dinoflagellates could present as well

From what I’ve seen under the microscope, it is both.

 

[seaturtletom4]

Okay thanks! Do you have a recommended treatment plan for those? Or would raising my nutrients fix it?

Raising nutrients is first step. Opportunistic algae’s thrive when desirables are nutrient limited. The second step is scheduled husbandry like vacuum sand-bed during partial water changes.

In looking at your pictures, I assume you started tank with dry sand & dry rock and used bacteria in a bottle. For long range sustainability, consider inoculating your system with diver collected live rock and while at it, build up your clean up crew of janitors.

@seaturtletom4
If you want detailed help, then detail how you cycled your 6 month new tank.

Also, consider starting a tank journal in members tank forum.

Okay, thank you. I originally started with live rock and live sand but added some dry rock to expand my aquascape. I cycled the tank using dr Tim’s ammonia and microbacter7. I never added any pods, which my LFS said I should’ve added those.
I checked under the microscope earlier, there is hair algae along with the presence of Dino’s.

 

[Subsea]

Okay, thank you. I originally started with live rock and live sand but added some dry rock to expand my aquascape. I cycled the tank using dr Tim’s ammonia and microbacter7. I never added any pods, which my LFS said I should’ve added those.
I checked under the microscope earlier, there is hair algae along with the presence of Dino’s.

Please define what you call live rock and live sand. What was your source for the live sand and live rock. Details matter!

“ I never added any pods, which my LFS said I should’ve added those.”
Amphipods & copepods are one element in CUC. You need a functioning crew of janitors, which includes you.

 

[seaturtletom4]

Cultivated live rock from my LFS, Caribsea arag alive live sand.
My cuc I have 4 nassarius, 2 turbos, 2 trochus, an astrea, a cerith, emerald crab and 2 nerites
, which I’ve learned I’m beyond under stocked for a 55 gallon.
I’d do water changes every 2 weeks

 

[Subsea]

Caribbsea sand in a bag is a far cry from live sand.

You now need consumers of nuisance algae and competitors of nuisance algae.

Consider getting diver collected live sand and live rock to inoculate your system.