Algae identification help

1stMarDiv · 09/01/2008, 03:16 PM

We have developed an algae on the top of our sand bed. It is a brownish color at the start and then is developing into a really dark red/wine color. Can anybody tell me what this is and how I can deal with it? Thanks

ludnix · 09/01/2008, 03:23 PM

Sounds like diatoms and Cyano bacteria. How long has the tank been set up? It's normal to see these types of algae in the first few months of the tank's setup. If the algae remains long after the tank is setup you may have an issue of lack of flow, over feeding, or bad source water.

If you're not using RO/DI water for your top-off and water changes you might consider switching.

1stMarDiv · 09/02/2008, 04:31 AM

Tank has been set up for 8 years. We have recently installed ( 3 months ago) a protein skimmer, which is working real well and also have had problems with the chemical balance, which now seems to test out fine. Could the addition of the protein skimmer and the lack of chemical balance cause this algae to grow and should it disappear as we get the water condition better. We have changed to distilled water and am in the process of buying a RO/DI unit.

prickles · 09/03/2008, 12:39 AM

You sound like you added a fair amount of stuff. If you added new sand, you will get a diatom bloom too. I don't know if you did, but if that's the case, you have your answer.

pledosophy · 09/03/2008, 01:32 AM

pic of the algae would help to ID it.

09/01/2008, 03:16 PM	#1
1stMarDiv Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 60	Algae identification help We have developed an algae on the top of our sand bed. It is a brownish color at the start and then is developing into a really dark red/wine color. Can anybody tell me what this is and how I can deal with it? Thanks

09/01/2008, 03:23 PM	#2
ludnix Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: California Posts: 3,031	Sounds like diatoms and Cyano bacteria. How long has the tank been set up? It's normal to see these types of algae in the first few months of the tank's setup. If the algae remains long after the tank is setup you may have an issue of lack of flow, over feeding, or bad source water. If you're not using RO/DI water for your top-off and water changes you might consider switching. __________________ -Eric Sutter Current Tank Info: 14g Biocube

09/03/2008, 12:39 AM	#4
prickles Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: AZ Posts: 1,138	You sound like you added a fair amount of stuff. If you added new sand, you will get a diatom bloom too. I don't know if you did, but if that's the case, you have your answer. __________________ My tank is finally big enough. I could swim in it. Current Tank Info: large

09/03/2008, 01:32 AM	#5
pledosophy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Beaverton Posts: 5,290	pic of the algae would help to ID it. __________________ 120g mixed reef 90g QT

09/02/2008, 04:31 AM	#3
1stMarDiv Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 60	Tank has been set up for 8 years. We have recently installed ( 3 months ago) a protein skimmer, which is working real well and also have had problems with the chemical balance, which now seems to test out fine. Could the addition of the protein skimmer and the lack of chemical balance cause this algae to grow and should it disappear as we get the water condition better. We have changed to distilled water and am in the process of buying a RO/DI unit.