What is it?

I have recently just started to get this algae on the sand and rock. I checked the water parameters and all were within standards. Nothing has changed except for getting this algae. I have started to do more frequent water changes also. I am looking for a fix to this, it driving me crazy!

Thanks!

 

brown diatom or the start of cyano bacteria. How long has has your tank been up and what are your phosphates. Do you use RO

 

Cyanobacteria! High level of nutrients in your tank. Also probably a result of having new lights and a new aquarium.

 

Looks like a diatom outbreak to me.

 

The phosphate is a test I do not have but will get. I do use RO water and the tank has been up for the past 2 and a half years. Thats whats throwing me off.

 

I think I have seen enough pic's of this to assume its Cyanobacteria .. Their are some really good posts on hear about it too.. Best of luck...

 

mini cycle maybe?? any die offs or new additions???

 

There is a sea hair I have not seen for a while which may be the problem. After reading some posts about this I think I need to add some more water movement. Thanks for the help on this!

 

What Antagonist said. If it's been setup for 2.5 years, one of the primary causes I would look into is an increased bioload. An added critter that poops alot, or something that died and can't be found. Your bacteria would have to catch up to the increase, thus leading to the algae problem. If it is a mini cycle, it should go away soon. If not...that's way over my head so I can't help you there

That's a good thing about having a brittle star. If anything dies, you don't have to worry about fishing it out cause it won't last too long with all the scavengers I have in this thing. Most of which seem to start with the letter B...Bristle Worm, Brittle star, etc.