Normal algae growth?

[fladiver]

I have a 32 biocube, and parameters have been steady. In last week or two, I’ve noticed some algae starting to slowly grow on some of the gravel substrate. Is this cause for concern? Or should I simply try to siphon that out next time when doing water change? See pics for what I’m talking about.

I’ve also noticed some purple algae growing along the perimeter on the glass just under the substrate surface. Any thoughts on what that is and whether something should be done?

Thanks.

Edit to add some answers to anticipated questions. Have had tank since June 2024 when I relocated it from someone who had it going for a year or two. I do 10-15% water changes every other week or so. It is a FOWLR tank with a clown, YT damsel, and various hermits/snails. Live rock looks pretty good to me otherwise.

 

[KrisReef]

The purple is Cyanobacteria, the algae is normal and for a fish only tank the future is a couple of weeks or months of ugly growth on the substrate that will subside in time.

Clean during water changes and eventually the ugliness will fade.

If you want less algae reduce the amount of light you put in the tank. Reduce hours or light intensity (or both) to decrease algae growth.

Never add any other things until the ugly stage passes. :beaming-face-with-smiling-eyes:

 

[Tahoe61]

I would increase the flow either by adding a power head, or upgrading the return pump in the back. You can try some chempure or similar product. If the cyanobacteria becomes more prevalent you can dose chemclean. These AIO tanks with lids can be problematic when it comes to the growth of cyano.

 

[Subsea]

That’s very little Cynobacteria and can be exported during water change with gravel vac.

What is nitrate & phosphate? I don’t measure mine unless bioindicators indicate a need to investigate.

Your tank looks good for 4 months old. Would you provide a full tank shot with white light? Also, consider starting a tank journal in member’s tank forum.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have a 32 biocube, and parameters have been steady. In last week or two, I’ve noticed some algae starting to slowly grow on some of the gravel substrate. Is this cause for concern? Or should I simply try to siphon that out next time when doing water change? See pics for what I’m talking about.

I’ve also noticed some purple algae growing along the perimeter on the glass just under the substrate surface. Any thoughts on what that is and whether something should be done?

Thanks.

Edit to add some answers to anticipated questions. Have had tank since June 2024 when I relocated it from someone who had it going for a year or two. I do 10-15% water changes every other week or so. It is a FOWLR tank with a clown, YT damsel, and various hermits/snails. Live rock looks pretty good to me otherwise.

This sight of cyano would not even concern me and the algae you see are spores. These spores can be triggered from excess nutrients, overfeeding, a tank at or near a window and use of tap water from the faucet. Can you post a pic or two of the rest of the tank?

 

[fladiver]

Wow, thanks for the replies and insight. I’ll try to address a few questions and provide some requested info. At least preliminarily, it seems like this isn’t overt cause for concern and may just be part of the process.

It seems like this is just part of the “ugly phase”? Should I really not add any other livestock?

I generally feed once or twice a day and try to not overfeed. I generally don’t see any excess food hit the bottom.

In addition to the stock return (pointed down at 45 degree angle), I have a Jebao SOW-4 that is mounted in back and points towards front. So, I am not sure it is a filtration issue.

The side of the tank with the vast majority of the algae “spores” is in fact near a window with shutters that I try to keep closed when I can.

Seems like consensus is that this is cyano and I shouldn’t be concerned. And also that I should continue doing water changes and trying to vacuum the gravel. Should I add a few more snails or hermits (or other CUC)?

A few pics from front attached. Thanks!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Wow, thanks for the replies and insight. I’ll try to address a few questions and provide some requested info. At least preliminarily, it seems like this isn’t overt cause for concern and may just be part of the process.

It seems like this is just part of the “ugly phase”? Should I really not add any other livestock?

I generally feed once or twice a day and try to not overfeed. I generally don’t see any excess food hit the bottom.

In addition to the stock return (pointed down at 45 degree angle), I have a Jebao SOW-4 that is mounted in back and points towards front. So, I am not sure it is a filtration issue.

The side of the tank with the vast majority of the algae “spores” is in fact near a window with shutters that I try to keep closed when I can.

Seems like consensus is that this is cyano and I shouldn’t be concerned. And also that I should continue doing water changes and trying to vacuum the gravel. Should I add a few more snails or hermits (or other CUC)?

A few pics from front attached. Thanks!

Surface/film algae and easy to control with snails such as astrea-cerith-nerite- turbo grazer and even a pencil urchin
SAs for window, the power of UV from the sun will penetrate shades, blinds and curtains. Place a piece of black construction paper from walmart on the side of tank that faces window and you will see a reduction in this

 

[Paul B]

In last week or two, I’ve noticed some algae starting to slowly grow on some of the gravel substrate. Is this cause for concern?

That ain't algae. This is algae. :beaming-face-with-smiling-eyes:
I got more algae coming out of my nose than you have there and it is normal, natural and healthy











And I took this in the south Pacific



If I don't see any algae, I start to worry.

 

[fladiver]

Thanks Vetteguy and Paul B.

Is this something that copepods would help with? I’ve seen them discussed a lot and have been meaning to look into them. Would they survive with the clown and damsel?

 

[Paul B]

Thanks Vetteguy and Paul B.

Is this something that copepods would help with? I’ve seen them discussed a lot and have been meaning to look into them. Would they survive with the clown and damsel?

No. That algae is normal, don't try to kill it. Leave it alone and let it take it's course, unless it covers your corals, then it may need trimming not eradication.

My tank is over 50 years old, and I never bought a pod in my life.