Algae ID

JohnnyReeftank · #1 01-06-2011, 06:47 AM

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 · #2 01-06-2011, 02:16 PM

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 · #3 01-06-2011, 07:54 PM

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

Aquattro · #4 01-06-2011, 08:29 PM

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 · #5 01-07-2011, 03:25 AM

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 · #6 01-07-2011, 03:32 AM

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

JohnnyReeftank · #7 01-07-2011, 03:39 AM

I had 2 clowns and a wrasse....but the wrasse is a bully and now its just him. I thaw my frozen food and occasionally try and rinse it too....although its tough to rinse the brine shrimp without losing them all down the sink. I try to get rid of as much of the shrimp juice as I can.

Aquattro · #8 01-07-2011, 03:42 AM

Used rock? It's possible it came from a high nutrient system if so. Have you tested NO3/PO3?

reefwars · #9 01-07-2011, 03:47 AM

Quote:

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

JohnnyReeftank · #10 01-07-2011, 04:16 AM

It is used rock....buddy said he had it in his system for 5 years and it was covered with growth...not to mention every bad hitchhiker out there...couple red flags I guess

My N03 and P03 both show zero....but it might be because the algae is sucking it up so fast......should I try phosphate absorbant like Daniella said??

I actually just got my RO/DI on boxing day so I've only made 1 water change with it....I've been using store-bought RO water from a local water store for the last month and a half and before that I was using tap water and prime.

I've got my 2 actinics running 14 hrs and all 4 bulbs running 12 hours a day....is this light period too intense?

......a couple before and after pics of the same rock