ID Reddish Growth Please

The photos (UFO is within red circles) show a reddish 'algae' type growth - calling it an algae, but I have no clue what it is. Started appearing 2-3 months ago and is very slow growing. DT is 65 gal.

First pic : growth is approx. 1/2" across. For reference, the mushroom on the left has a span of about 1".

Second pic: different growth but looks identical to first. Larger at approx. 3/4".

Thanks.

 

red cayno maybe?

 

It's cyanobacteria bloom; not actually an algae.

 

Didn't think what I have is algae...just stumped as how to describe it.

What has me so confused about it is that it does not look or behave like any cyano I've seen in my tank previously (had an outbreak during cycling about a year ago) nor does it look like any of the photos I see for cyanobacteria via a Google search.

Photo below is pulled from a Google image - cyano covers substrate and gravel. What I have has a "leafy" type growth and solid in appearance...not stringy.

 

It's not uncommon for cyano to form the almost sheet-like layer you see. I've been combating it in my (relatively) new pico for about a month now - of course, it's only growing in the one tiny deadspot that I can't seem to figure out how to eliminiate. I would siphon what you can (you may even be able to pull it off in a sheet) and increase flow to the area. It will likely dissipate on its own. If not, check for silicates and check your water source.

 

I've not seen (photos or video) nor experienced a cyano outbreak that is not sheets, which is why I am pursuing confirming this ID question. No where can be seen sheets or a reddish coat or bubbles typical of cyano outbreaks in the DT.

That said, there is some darkened areas of the substrate somewhat typical of diatoms - the posted photos will show some of it...but it seems very mild if it is diatoms.

Also, the tank was hypo saline treated for ich late last year into early this year. Normal saline levels sometime around late Jan, if memory serves. Of course, nothing has seemed quite the same since - no interesting or mysterious 'critters' crawling around at night. But coral doing very well. The the fish and cleaner shrimp seem happy and thriving - growing well.

After I was led to believe (advice I was given) that the tank was re-stabilized after a few months, I added a duster and a sand star. Both died within about 3 months later. I attributed the losses to very low nutrient levels (feather duster) and 'dead' substrate (sand star) - but really have no way to know. Never did find the star and think this may have contributed to elevated nitrate levels. The duster was easily removed.

I did have a 'typical' cynao outbreak in my sump - nothing helped until I removed the miracle mud (which was about 4-months old when I pulled it). The sump is now bear bottom only.

Also, at that time I added a BRS GFO reactor which has been up and running for about 2 months - the gfo is changed regularly.

Phosphate level is tested with the Seachem test and has never shown over .05. That said, I've read and heard that the level can be misleading if the phosphate is being consumed out of the water column.

Using only RO/DI water testing 0 with a reliable meter.

Circulation and water volume: 65g DT w/sump measured at 60g total water.
Using hydro 750 powerhead and have a mag 7 rated for around 450 gph factoring in head height.

Feeding Rod's frozen herbivore once a day only with garlic added. Infrequent additional feedings of pellet food or substituting the Rod's with frozen daphnia, cyclops, or Hikari spirulina enriched brine shrimp.

PWC: have been doing weekly water changes of 8g week or 13.3% weekly (32% month!)...during the cyano outbreak in the sump, I was doing double that until the GFO reactor kicked in. This week, I re-started the doubling effort in PWC, so I'll be back to 64g PWC per month...that seems somewhat extreme I thought.

I'm stumped. Sorry for the extended post, but some background seem appropriate.

 

Seems more like a turf algae to me.

 

Uggh....

Where's your rock from?

That looks like the start of a Halimeda spp. to me.

Take out a piece. If it collapses like snot then cyano...If it feels rubbery/tough/slimy Halimeda


Oops don't mean Halimeda... meant halymenia spp.

 

Photos of Sample Removed From DT

I'm inclined to agree with the halymenia sp algae. Photos I took earlier today look strikingly similar to images of halymenia sp found on Google.

Getting the photos below was no simple task: very rubbery and tough. Difficult to get off the rock, especially as it is also has a slimy surface. And, small sample required lots of patience with photoshopping.

That said, the sample in the photos is 1/2" x 1/4". When placed on a white plastic plate, it stands up in a spiral shape. Certainly not my experience with cyano.

If it is halymenia sp, it most likely came from Gulf Coast Ecosystems. Earlier this year (April and May), I was experimenting with several macroalgaes as food supplement for a kole tang, tomini tang, and tribal blenny. As it turned out, none of the fish seemed interested. At that point, I did try growing some it in the tank for visual interest...at the time, looked like a failed experiment! I completely discounted the fact that it was still in the DT (after several months unseen). So, just did not make the connection.

But, regarding the rock: dry pukani from BRS. Lots of cool stuff grew from it prior to the hypo treatment. Don't think it came from the rock....but, hey...lol My six-line and tribal blenny love that rock.

Ah, the wonders of this hobby! :

I think this ID mystery is solved. Thank you!

 

Sorry for the earlier false ID; I still can't see the structure in the earlier photos which are very clear in these latter ones. But that makes it quite apparent.