What the heck is this?

[Default]

I have some nasty stuff that keeps growing on my sand and rocks and everything else. Even when I clean it the stuff grows back. It starts off with only a little bit in the morning then becomes long stringy like things by the end if the day. :evil: It grows VERY fast. Here are some pics.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Sorry for the picture quality. 2mp is not good at all.

 

[Krish]

Is what you are reffering to brown on the sand or a red in color? Can't really tell by the pics...In any event, if the tank is newly setup and it is brown, more than likely it is diatoms and if reddish, possibly cyno...Let us know on the coloration though and a little bit more about your system like are you using ro/di water, what salt mix are you using, age of the setup, possibly water parateres etc.

 

[spongebob lover]

i agree with my buddy Krish, it could be both... diatoms or cyano .

 

[Curtswearing]

I can't tell from the pictures. However, the description makes me think of dinoflagellates.

 

[Curtswearing]

If I'm right read this thread.

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1112&highlight=dinoflagellates

Then read this article by Randy Holmes-Farley
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-11/rhf/index.php

 

[edwing206]

I am defaults brother. And thanks curstwearing.
That is exactly what it is.
I will read up on that.

 

[Curtswearing]

No prob.

We still need Krish's requested info though....

Let us know on the coloration and a little bit more about your system like are you using ro/di water, what salt mix are you using, age of the setup, possibly water parameters etc

.

Sometimes this happens in an initial cycle and goes away on its own. When it happens in an established system, it's a much bigger deal.

 

[edwing206]

It is brown. And bubbly. Looks exactky like dino's so I think it is.
As for the tank, it is around 2.5 months. Using water from store. ( I use the same in my tank and have no problems with it ), for salt we use IO. thanks

 

[Default]

I just got home from work and read your replies, i am sure that what i have is dinoflagellates. Thank you everyone for your help.