Need help ID (with microscope)

Nick Locke · Oct 6, 2022

Hey guys I’m new here, was wondering if anyone could help with an algae ID. I’ve been running this tank for about 6 months and have been battling algae the entire time. Here are some pictures. I recently got a UV sterilizer because I thought i had Dino’s since there were snot bubbles but they have since declined.

Idoc · Oct 6, 2022

The second picture looks like Chrysophytes. The other pics are kind of blobs...too much mashed together to accurately pick anything out. Best to pick up some debri and then focus on the very edges of that debri in order to see more clearly what is actually there.

Nick Locke · Oct 6, 2022

Hi thank you for the response I really appreciate it, I’ve been battling this algae for so long I need all the help I can get to get rid of it. Here are some more microscope photos, I tried to get them less mashed, let me know if you would like more. Thank you

Nick Locke · Oct 6, 2022

Nick Locke · Oct 6, 2022

Here it is zoomed in a little more

Nick Locke · Oct 7, 2022

Bump, still trying for manual removal with little success.

Nick Locke · Oct 8, 2022

Nick Locke · Oct 10, 2022

Idoc · Oct 11, 2022

Yes, those look like Chrysophytes with some diatoms thrown in there along with some other minor algeas. The chrysophytes are the major problem, though.

Nick Locke · Mar 2, 2023

Nick Locke · Mar 2, 2023

I’m still having the same issues with this algae. since I first posted on this back in October, I’ve tried low nutrients (0 for nitrate & phosphate), High nutrients, I’ve been running a uv sterilizer since October, I’ve lowered my lighting schedule, and have also increased it. I have been trying manual removal, but even if I remove 90% of it, it still comes back the next couple of days. Tank is about a year old, coralline algae grows well but only in the shade where this unknown (maybe Chrysophytes) doesn’t grow. I’m at a loss, I have no idea how to get rid of it. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks

Stoneyed · Mar 2, 2023

Running low nutrients will certainly help, but if the rock/sand leaches nutrients out, it may take a while to reach equilibrium. Extra flow will probably help somewhat too.

Since they are growing as a biofilm, a UV won't really do much (unless it's in the water column). UV irradiation must also be sufficient to kill the algae. Clumping can also prevent UV light from reaching the center of the clump, preventing a full kill.

Have you tried a limpet or urchin? they might be able to eat it.

Are you carbon-dosing? If so, maybe reduce the amount, or stop for a few days. Some algae can take up sugars/organic acids as a feed source.

Looks like a mix of 4-5 types of algae including diatoms.