What is this algae? Help!!

[Mty1986]

I have this horrible brown algae. It is easy to remove by just waving my hand at it and it falls right off. Also it seems like when lights go off it fades away a little. It is all over live rock and Sand. My tank has been set up over here for 1-2 months but was set up elsewhere before an I used at least half of that water and all live rock and sand. I checked parameter of water and all is good except nitrates barely elevated. I do not have phosphate test. I just want to know if anyone know what kind of algae this is. Thanks

 

[Mty1986]

 

[frisbee]

When you say it comes right off when you wave your hand at it, does it come off in small mats at a time? If so, my guess would be cyanobacteria.

 

[Yuhan]

Diatoms?

 

[Mty1986]

Not really a mat. It just kind of flakes of.

 

[frisbee]

How big are the flakes? Quarter size? Dime size? Smaller than that?

 

[Mty1986]

So small you can't real see it. You just see the rock get clean and water gets dirty

 

[frisbee]

Ok. Probably diatoms then. It sure does look like cyanobacteria though, especially on the rocks to the left.

Diatoms are normal for new tanks, and usually pass given time. (assuming your source water is decent)

Here's a good read.

Feature Article: Silica In Reef Aquariums — Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog

 

[Mty1986]

I think I also have pink cyano also. It's is slimey feeling. How do I get rid of brown cyano and pink

 

[frisbee]

Here's a link reguarding the cyano.

Cyano: everybody gets it: how to get rid of it safely - Reef Central Online Community

HTH.

 

[ReefApprentice]

Some astraea turbo snails should fix it if its cyano or diatoms.

 

[Mty1986]

I have some snails. How many are recommended? And should I quarantine snails?

 

[saltfan]

diatoms. It will take its course and disappear on its own as long as ya do your water changes and keep your water parameters in check.

 

[burning2nd]

Its not bad algea If that makes you feel better

algea is normal.. control your water parameters and control the amount of nutrients you introduce to the tank and you will be fine