Algae ID

[JohnnyReeftank]

I've had my 35 gallon up and running for about 4 months now. This brown hairy/slimy algae has been growing like mad on a few rocks and on the back glass (I scrape the other 3 sides). Is this just a normal part of the maturation process or should I try and get this under control? I've got a decent clean-up crew and the only things that seem to make a dent are the Astrea turbos. Please help......(sorry for the iphone pics)

[daniella3d]

Looks like a mix of hair algae and maybe diatome or dinoflagellate or cyanobacteria. Can't tell much without a microscope but very easy to tell them apart at 200X.

Put some phosphate absorbant and this will help.

[JohnnyReeftank]

So....I've got everything? Here's a few more pics

[Aquattro]

I'd say what you have is a nutrient problem What is your water change schedule? RO or tap water? Running a good skimmer? Feeding regime?

[JohnnyReeftank]

Change the water 15-20% every week....Started the tank 4 months ago with tap water (neubie mistake) but the last 5 PWC's were with RO/DI water. I've got a Remora HOB skimmer and I feed small amounts of frozen and pellets 2-3 times a day. I guess I should just wait to see how the new RO/DI unit works out....any thoughts?

[fishytime]

ok.....couple more questions.......how many fish(and what kind) and how do you feed your frozen food?

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by JohnnyReeftank

Change the water 15-20% every week....Started the tank 4 months ago with tap water (neubie mistake) but the last 5 PWC's were with RO/DI water. I've got a Remora HOB skimmer and I feed small amounts of frozen and pellets 2-3 times a day. I guess I should just wait to see how the new RO/DI unit works out....any thoughts?

is everything good with your ro unit like filters and membrane or is it a used system??


feeding frozen a few times a day is a bit much im only feeding frozen every other day with flakes in between, also what are you using for lighting and whats your light schedule??


edit**** seen your lighting