Quote:
Originally Posted by Octoman  I'll be following along, I'm dealing with a bloom of something right now. About 2 weeks ago I tore my rocks down to catch a couple fish and rearranged a bit when I set back up, so I think that has something to do with it.
I have a question. How do you distinguish between dinoflagellates vs. cyanobacteria vs. diatoms (without a microscope...)? |
Yes, I read every post.
I am going to post some links to three items you asked about, with brief additions. Checking from work right now.
Diatoms
Phytoplankton that will feed on Silica, phosphates and nitrates. They can be in the water column as well as on the surfaces of the rocks and substrate. They range in size from microscopic to sizes of 1mm. Microscopic diatoms can be seen in the water column as a yellow-ish tent to the water if looking through the long end of a tank.
Dinoflagellates
The best way to descibe Dino is, a substance that resembles snot, with bubbles in it. I'll try to find a good photo or maybe Jason can get a good photo of his.
Cyanobacteria
Cryno looks a bit like a red carpet of stringy vibers that lay flat. Eventhough, wikipedia says it is blue-green, which I have not seen in a tank. Cryno can grow on the surface of rocks as well as the substrate. It is easily removed by siphoning it out with a small hose. An air hose will do the trick, but if you have a thick patch of it, 1/4" I.D tubing is better to use and wont get clogged up as easily.
Sorry about not going into great detail here, I'm at work and saw your post.