help identify algae

[czartangus]

I never have seen this before grow in my LS. I think it algae but not sure. There are small little bubbles incased in the sand. When I take my algae scrubber brush and push on the dark cluppy part of the sand all these little bubbles will rise up. Anybody know what this is?

Thanks

[repto]

Looks like the beginning of cyanobacteria... can you get any closer pics???

[czartangus]

Does this help?

[inwall75]

I can't tell from the pictures. It looks like it could be dinoflagellates (snot algae) also.

[czartangus]

The camera will not zoom in any closer without becoming blurry. If it helps it almost a forest color green with small bubbles layered over it. Trying to solve the problem over two weeks, I replaced all my lights, started a refigium, and started dosing SAT weekly. . Not sure what to do.

[Reef Lover]

I think I know what it is. Does it seem like slime, and is part of it black or turning black?

[czartangus]

yes it does!

[Reef Lover]

I think it a bacteria and not an algea that you might be dealing with. So I know for sure, I need you to take some of the slime and put it in a zip lock bag, (take all the air out). Keep the bag on top of your light to keep it warm, what will happen next will tell me what you have. The color will change, a purple color will drain from it and the rest of the slime will be green.

[czartangus]

got a sample in a air tight bag & staying warm under the lights. How long sould it take before I notice a difference in color?

[Reef Lover]

If it's bacteria you will see in a few minutes. In 10-15 minutes the longest. Do you see any changes yet?