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View Full Version : ID on algae... I think... pics included...


FavaBean
12/13/2009, 08:16 PM
http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq257/michaelmoreno1983/SN855006.jpg

I think this is red velvet algae.... Any thoughts.... if need be I can try to get a better pic....

Chiefsurfer
12/13/2009, 08:27 PM
how old is the tank? What are your nitrate and phosphate readings(although apparently algae blooms use phosphates faster than they are expelled, so phosphate tests can often come up as 0, when in actuality they are high, but the algae is using them.

To me, from that photo, it looks like cyano.

FavaBean
12/13/2009, 08:33 PM
the tank will be a year in jan. I do not know my nitrate and phosphate readings.... it is deep red that looks to be encrusting with little strands swaying with the flow.... thanks chiefsurfer

DC_40gallon
12/13/2009, 08:36 PM
Looks like cyano to me. How old are your bulbs (old meaning 6-9 months or older)? Do you use RO/DI water for everything and anything? How long do you let your lights burn each day?

FavaBean
12/13/2009, 08:41 PM
thanks.... I will start looking into solutions... would a increase in flow help any? I have done a search and found alot of results... I need to read some of it... thanks everyone

bertoni
12/13/2009, 09:49 PM
If it rubs off very easily, it's likely cyanobacteria. It could be an encrusting sponge, if it's more resilient.

FavaBean
12/13/2009, 10:01 PM
DC... sorry i did not see your post.... bulbs will be a year in jan... I need to replace them... I use RO/DI water for anything and everything... I let the lights burn for 8 hours a day....

bertoni... I think it rubs off pretty easy...

so I need to maybe increase flow... check phosphate... decrease light even more?

Remn
12/13/2009, 10:04 PM
It looks like cyano

bertoni
12/13/2009, 10:37 PM
If it comes off with a touch of a finger, then it's a microbial pest. More flow might help. Less feeding or adding a GFO reactor might help, as can better skimming. What kind of pump does the tank have for circulation?

FavaBean
12/14/2009, 04:51 AM
the tank is has just the stock pump.... so 106 gph... i am thinking about going with a 200 gph pump.... i feed only once every other day... it is a 6 gallon tank

lordofthereef
12/14/2009, 06:16 AM
If it IS cyano, simple flow increase will fix your problem.

rostato
12/14/2009, 08:09 AM
If it IS cyano, simple flow increase will fix your problem.

And some water changes!

FavaBean
12/14/2009, 10:44 AM
Looks like i will try a simple increase in water flow....

DC_40gallon
12/14/2009, 11:01 AM
Definitely change the bulbs (only do half now and half in a few months to avoid light shock), increase your flow and siphon off as much of it as possible and it will remedy itself.

Glad your using RO/DI religiously and limiting light usage.

quickgray02
12/14/2009, 11:30 AM
It looks like cyano
increase flow and do some water changes

bertoni
12/14/2009, 06:24 PM
A 200 gph pump should be fine, and might help a bit. I suspect that you'll need to add a GFO reactor or reduce feeding at some point, though.