What is this???

diamondreef · Sep 14, 2021

Hello,

I just noticed these very tiny specs of red algae (I’m assuming) and I’m not sure what kind it is. Hoping to treat it sooner than later.

I know it’s hard to see :/ they are tiny.. I inspect the tank daily to try and catch problems super early lol

kingjames_dc5 · Sep 14, 2021

Possibly Cyanobacteria hard to see in pictures.

Sean Clark · Sep 14, 2021

If you can blow it off of the rocks I would call it bad. If it won't blow off or shows no sign of movement I would call that good. Like the previous post stated, it is hard to tell in the photos.

diamondreef · Sep 14, 2021

Sean Clark said:
If you can blow it off of the rocks I would call it bad. If it won't blow off or shows no sign of movement I would call that good. Like the previous post stated, it is hard to tell in the photos.

It does blow off :/

Sean Clark · Sep 14, 2021

diamondreef said:
It does blow off :/

Prob cyanobacteria then. The plus is that it does appear very thin. So not a lot to deal with. This could be nutrient or flow related. Most likely both. At least you are on it and catching this early.

Sean Clark · Sep 14, 2021

Is that Hawaiian black sand?

diamondreef · Sep 14, 2021

Sean Clark said:
Prob cyanobacteria then. The plus is that it does appear very thin. So not a lot to deal with. This could be nutrient or flow related. Most likely both. At least you are on it and catching this early.

What’s the best way to treat it you think? I’m going to have my water tested tomorrow so hopefully that tells me something..

diamondreef · Sep 14, 2021

Sean Clark said:
Is that Hawaiian black sand?

Yeah I liked the black sand look

Sean Clark · Sep 14, 2021

diamondreef said:
What’s the best way to treat it you think? I’m going to have my water tested tomorrow so hopefully that tells me something..

Well, since you state that you just noticed it, I would actually leave it alone. Test your water. Hopefully you have some previous test results to compare your new results with. If you notice some large variances then address those whether high or low. Then I would assess you flow inside the display. Possibly increase the flow if feasible. All of this should be done over a period of months to perceive the results.