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Unread 07/16/2018, 05:53 PM   #1
ScreamingDingo
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Identifying this Nuisance

Hey all,

I've been in and out of the hobby for a long time, but I'm posting here as I hope this is the right place to identify what I'd expect is a common nuisance that evades my google-fu. First, some history of the aquarium:

200 gallons, MARS LEDS, RODI, sump w/bio balls, protein skimmer, live rock with (a clown)fish

This aquarium has been set up for over a year. SG is at 1.024, pH runs 8.2, Nitrates essentially undetectable

When I first set it up, I ordered rock and sand from Marco Rocks. This was dry rock and sand. I aquascaped the tank, put the sand and rocks in, then cycled the tank with regular ammonia. All seemed well.

I then moved a couple of small pieces of live rock into the tank from a 29 gallon (that is still healthy today) with no real issues. I also added the clown.

And then the problems arose. I had an outbreak of what I believe I was able to identify as Spirulina, and eventually resorted to Chemiclean at 1.5x to control it. I also had a massive hair algae of a sorts that grew in large clumps. I successfully killed it with fluconazole.

However, the problems have not gone away. Even though the 29 gallon shows no signs of issues, I've had a third wave of problem growth. If I scrub the rocks, it comes off very easily and is picked up by the filter, but it continues to reemerge.

I have attached a number of photographs to hopefully aid in determining what is going on. Water changes, skimmer aggressiveness, phosphate removers ... nothing I have tried to this point seems to help. I also can't seem to get much coraline algae to grow, even though the other tank is absolutely covered with it. I have checked and maintained alkalinity and calcium levels as well, by adding those chemicals as necessary (Fosters brand).

I have a number of photos that might help identify it. It mainly grows under the lights, and not as much in shadows. It also grows on the overflows and on the tank glass.

I'd appreciate any assistance. Thanks!


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Unread 07/16/2018, 05:55 PM   #2
ScreamingDingo
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Here are a few more photos, maybe more will help clue in on this:


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File Type: jpg 2506_800x531.jpg (58.1 KB, 26 views)
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Unread 07/16/2018, 05:57 PM   #3
ScreamingDingo
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And the last of the set I took. I apologize if they appear "potato" quality - it's decidedly not easy to take this particular type of picture without any previous practice.

Thanks for your help.


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File Type: jpg 2507_800x531.jpg (60.6 KB, 24 views)
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Unread 07/16/2018, 06:01 PM   #4
mcgyvr
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maybe lyngbya
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2659660


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Unread 07/16/2018, 06:10 PM   #5
ScreamingDingo
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... maybe. What I have appears to be "meatier". In that, I can scrape it off in clumps. Those pictures almost have a wispy look.

I already did treat the tank once with the antifungal. I would consider a retreatment of fluconazole - I already have another dose pack for the tank. It's not cheap, for sure, but whatever it takes. I'm not absolutely convinced that's it, but ... maybe. :-)

Thanks.


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Unread 07/18/2018, 08:09 PM   #6
ScreamingDingo
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Is this a mystery? Is there any other details I can provide to assist with identifying it?


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Unread 07/19/2018, 11:13 AM   #7
mcgyvr
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ScreamingDingo View Post
Is this a mystery? Is there any other details I can provide to assist with identifying it?
For the most part.. This the knowledge in this forum (and many like it) don't extend much past the most common algaes/bacterias,etc... and I have not found a good site with pictures or information that would otherwise allow us to identify it..

If its not green hair, turf algae, diatoms, dinos,cyano.. its unlikely to get positively identified on most forums..

There is a site (can't remember the name now) where you post a picture and industry experts/researchers,etc... would frequent and give positive scientific identification,etc...


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Unread 07/19/2018, 06:00 PM   #8
lapin
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You can try "inaturalist" example:
https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/294181
I use them for plant and grass id. You can upload a picture and ask for help. Not sure how many aquatic biologist are on the site but its worth a try. I know there are a few professors at colleges that cruise the site.
You could always try an urchin an see if it likes the stuff.


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Unread 07/20/2018, 12:07 PM   #9
rjjr1963
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I had it and never could get a good ID. I dosed fluconazole at the full dose for 5 days in a row and it killed the stuff completely. I didn't notice any negative effects on the tank. I misread the instructions so dosing that much was completely by accident. I can't suggest doing that but it did work for me.


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