Black Hairy Algae?

[leighnorton]

I have just discovered a black hairy like algae growing on the floor (Sand) of my tank.

Does anyone know what this stuff could be? It's sticky and is attached to the small sand particles and i have rolled a small amount of it up into a ball and removed it from my tank.

Is there anything I can buy that can get rid of this?

Thanks!!

 

[leighnorton]

Please Help!

Does anyone know what this is? This stuff seems to be spreading accross the floor of my tank! I've moved my L/R around to increase the water flow of this point in my tank and also given it less light.

I'm assuming this is some sort of phosphate problem? I'm doing a water change tonight to help correct this.

Does anyone know if this is definately the problem or if It's something else?

 

[Lotus]

It could be a number of things. Perhaps it's dinoflagellates.

 

[leighnorton]

If by Dinoflagellates you are referring to Diatoms en this is not what it is. I have had that before in my tank and this is different. It's like long strands of black hair that are sticking to my sand. Really need a way to get rid of it!

 

[Lotus]

Have a look at this thread (dinoflagellates are about the fourth pic down): Other Hitchhikers - 3reef Forums

 

[leighnorton]

I thought I would upload some pictures to explain myself better. It might be a type of Diatom but I'd just like to know how to get rid =)

 

[Lorna]

That definitely looks like cyanobactia. You need to reduce your nutrients, ie. nitrates and phosphates and increase your flow. Also reducing the light may help a bit. Remove as much as you can by siphoning it and then do a few large water changes to reduce the nutrient load. You need to find the cause of this as it will continue until you do.

try this article.

Cyano, Cyanos, Cyanobacteria, Blue-Green Algae, Algae, Red slime Algae, Slime Algae, Slime, Undesirable algae

 

[leighnorton]

Okay I have just removed all the black stuff off the floor again! I am going to do a water change now. We will see how much has grown by tomorrow. I have increased the flow as much as I can in that area but I think I am going to try and buy a powerhead at some point soon. How do I reduce nitrates? I am going to cut my feeding down to once every two days.

 

[Lorna]

that is a start, a powerhead is essential. Reducing feeding is also necessary as are large water changes to reduce the nitrates. Are you running a protein skimmer? If not you need to ramp up the water changes.

 

[leighnorton]

I'm not running a protein skimmer so I will do more water changes. I will reduce feeding and lighting as well. I'll look at buying a powerhead soon! Thanks for the help! =)