Any one with ID on this microalgae?

poppin_fresh · 02-24-2008, 10:18 PM

Ok...

Here the much anticipated pics of my snot algae. I have never been able to identify it, hopefully some one can help. Its usually white and brown, but it can have cyano like red spots in it.

You can see it on the back glass. It will form a mat that will cover the whole surface.

It also forms cotton like tufts on some of the rocks.

Jon

**Phurst** · 02-24-2008, 10:33 PM

I can't give you a difinative ID, but it looks like bacteria to me, not algae.

Have you tried an antibacterial like ChemiClean?

poppin_fresh · 02-24-2008, 10:45 PM

I haven't tried any chemicals on it yet.

**Phurst** · 02-24-2008, 10:48 PM

Well, maybe someone can chime in for sure, but it sure looks like bacteria to me.

Do any of your CUC touch it? What's it like when you scrape it off?

THEJRC · 02-25-2008, 12:45 AM

looks like a sponge actually, if it's fixing nitrogen (bubbles) its bacterial

Tough for me to tell from the pic right now (been drinkin he he) but if it's got that pale yellow/tan sorta look and kinda slimy squishy to touch it's probably the same sponge I've seen in a few tanks now. You can cut it out pretty easily but it will continue to grow. Might have a look at

Sponges

poppin_fresh · 02-25-2008, 10:45 AM

CUC wont touch the stuff and it DOES trap bubbles.

Its pretty nasty stuff when you remove it. I would describe it as very jello like in texture compared to the cottony look to it in the water. Its also very heavy because it traps alot of water. I would venture to say an average size fish net full of the stuff weighs a couple pounds! I thought my net was going to break hauling the stuff out.

**Phurst** · 02-25-2008, 10:48 AM

How quickly does it grow, and what is it's growth habit? Does it just pop up, or spread out? Given it's texture, I'm still leaning towards some kind of bacteria. How hard is it to remove from the rocks, glass?

poppin_fresh · 02-26-2008, 03:01 AM

It grows fast! It will cover the back glass in a couple weeks if I let it go. Fortunately, it is easily siphoned off most surfaces unless you try to suck out too much, then it plugs the hose.

I would describe it kind of like siphoning grape jelly (enjoy that mental image).

**Phurst** · 02-26-2008, 03:11 AM

LOL, nice description. I don't suppose there's any way you could get a sample under a microscope? We could at least determine if it's algae or bacteria. I'm pretty sure we can rule out sponge at this point.

**Phurst** · 03-14-2008, 10:08 PM

Jon, any progress with this, or did you put it on hold due to the possible tank breakdown?

poppin_fresh · 03-15-2008, 07:17 PM

I siphoned off a ton a week or so ago. It hasn't come back quite as bad, but its still there. As soon as I can get some Chemiclean I'm going to give it a shot.

**Phurst** · 03-15-2008, 08:00 PM

I somehow ended up with a couple of extra containers if you want one.