Algea ID

[pyrate]

I have a relatively new tank that is completely cycled. I have two snowflake clown, longnose hawkfish, long tentacled anem, and a green polyp soft coral, snails, and crabs.
I've recently started noticing a purple, soft algae growing on the rocks and sand in a few spots. I've suctioned out what i see but it grows back. any ideas of what it could be and how to control it? Or is it good for the tank? I'm a little home bound now due to a health issue otherwise i would speak to my local tank guy. If needed i can try to take a picture.

 

[mr. limpid]

Is it slime to the touch and can you wave your hand in front of it and the current makes it come off of the surface it growing on? If yes to the above it is cyno bacteria not algae. Then do a search on this site there are many thing you can do to remove and control it. If not then you will need to post a picture.

 

[pyrate]

Yes, slimy to the touch. If you pick it up it sort of clumps the sands but breaks apart easy.

 

[mr. limpid]

Sound like Cyno, bad stuff. Here a list of questions. RO water are you using it? How old are your bulbs? How long do you have your light on for? What foods are you feeding? What are your nitrate and phosphate readings?

 

[pyrate]

RO - yes
Bulbs - 2 weeks
Mysis
0 and 0 at last check
it started under an ornamental shell with little circ.

 

[mr. limpid]

i would just siphon it out during water changes. If you have a sump add macro algae with light this will help with it from grow. Also I would start rinsing mysis in RO water B4 feeding.

 

[pyrate]

Thanks for the info. I purchased some red algae remover as well to see how that does.

 

[bang guy]

That's probably fine as long as you don't have a reef.

 

[pyrate]

Nope, no reef, just fish and two anems. thanks for the info guys!!! As always, you've been a great help.