Plz ID

[vegasr]

Please identify this green algae. Did a tank transfer two weeks ago, orginal owner had it running for 1yr, and noticed this green algae starting to form. I replaced both MH bulbs with new ones about a week and a half ago. And yes, combating a micro bubble issue right now.

alt="">
Shot at 2010-07-20

Thanks

 

[Drew]

It looks like green slime algae. Probably agitated by the micro bubbles. If you add some critters they should help keep it off the rocks. Maybe add a phosphate sponge as well, just because of all the change over and the crap that's been kicked up. Hth
Drew

 

[vegasr]

Thanks for the fast response. It appears to be spreading in a few different sections on that piece of LR and on the sand bed right below, but no place else.

 

[Jeff]

With a transfer like that, it may have kicked off a mini cycle - I'd guess that'll go away in a couple weeks as long as you keep the nutrients down.

 

[vegasr]

Thanks Jeff. I hope it goes away. Very perplexing as I thought unpleasant algae was do to poor lighting and water quality issues. I'd like to think I have neither of the two.

So should I be trying to remove it myself, or just let it play out. I've noticed it spreading around that single piece of LR, and don't want to wait too long before i act. Checked the phosphate level and it is at or extrmely near zero ppm. BTW, its a 75gal tank.

 

[bimmerzs]

@vegasr wrote:

Hi,

Keep in mind that the phosphate level should be less than 0.045ppm (ideally less than 0.03ppm) in a reef tank, most kit's out there are not sensitive enough to accurately measure that low. The algae can also be uptaking the phosphate as fast as it is being added which would also give you a false negative reading. Just a few things to consider and why most recommend running some type of phosphate removing media. [smilie=smile.gif] Here's some good reading also. http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2002/chem.htm

Cheers,

 

[vegasr]

Thanks bimmerzs, I will be getting a media reactor within a few weeks.