Green Cyano or Dinoflagellates?

Discussion in 'Algae' started by mdbostwick, Apr 30, 2014.

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  1. mdbostwick

    mdbostwick Vlamingii Tang

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    I am sure everyone is tired of reading about my algae, but after the bubble alage takeover I had previously, I don't like to let things just happen unless i know it won't be some type of hostile takeover.

    So I have tried researching to find out what it is that i am battling currently and have come up with green cyano or dinoflagellates. I know the dino is supposedly rare to have an outbreak of but i need to make sure i don't have one.

    What I am looking at is green slime, it is somewhat transparent so i can see the rock underneath it but no bubbles are accumulating on it like it did when I had the Cyano cycling through, which makes me unsure if it is the green slime algae.

    It is only in pretty small patches right now and seems to spread pretty slowly and I wouldn't be too concerned with it if it wasn't enveloping some of my zoas to the point where they won't/can't open. It is covering the stalks of one of my Candy Cane corals but stops right where the polyp starts and it is near some mushrooms i have but they seem to be keeping it at bay.

    So i am wondering if there is a good way I can find out which one of these it could be or if someone has any other ideas on what it could be I will research those as well.

    It is growing in lower flow areas and seems to not be in areas of higher flow. Tank is 6 months old. Just finished cycling through Cyano about a month ago. 4 t5ho ATI bulbs about 1 month old.

    Ammonia 0
    nitrite 0
    nitrate 0
    phos 0
    ph 8.3
    temp ~78
    salinity 1.023

    I can get a picture posted tomorrow if anyone thinks seeing it would help and if any other. if any other info about my tank is needed let me know and I can post that as well.

    Thank you in advance.
     
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  3. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Yes, pics would make it easier to identify. You'll need a positive ID to determine the best course of action to eliminate it.
     
  4. mdbostwick

    mdbostwick Vlamingii Tang

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    I will be able to post a picture of it as soon as my lights come on in the morning. I didn't get a chance to snap one off before i left for work this evening or else it would already be here.
     
  5. civiccars2003

    civiccars2003 Great Blue Whale

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    It's probably green blue cyano that came from my tank.
     
  6. mdbostwick

    mdbostwick Vlamingii Tang

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    If it is the same stuff, is it swallowing polyps in your tank? I am only really concerned if it will end up killing my polyps which i don't have enough of to lose.
     
  7. civiccars2003

    civiccars2003 Great Blue Whale

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    I haven't been able to find the root cause of the bacteria. I just keep the area clean by brushing or blowing. That's the best advice I can give.

    Try to get a picture.
     
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  9. ivanbosk

    ivanbosk Feather Duster

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    Are you using tap water?
     
  10. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    With Nitrates and phosphates undetectable, and decent flow, and periodic WC's, and manual removal when you can like a small siphon hose- I'd wait it out.
    What else can you do anyways. I don't believe in 'snake oil' additives- some have had good results however also.
     
  11. mdbostwick

    mdbostwick Vlamingii Tang

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    My flow does have its issues. It is a work in progress.

    I think it does look like the same stuff in your tank but I don't think flow is a problem in your tank.

    I had some different slimy greenish white stuff in spots everywhere but a a thorough suction of the rocks during my WC yesterday got most of it taken out.

    Yeah i don't really like running any type of chemicals if i can help it. I will try brushing it and siphoning next week during my WC and see how that works against it.
     
  12. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

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    Yeah i don't really like running any type of chemicals if i can help it. I will try brushing it and siphoning next week during my WC and see how that works against it.[/QUOTE]

    I have similar blue-green cyano looking stuff. I read just recently a suggestion of duct tapping a tooth brush to the siphon intake and pick it up as you siphon. Just passing it along.