Looking to ID Algae in Sump

[DKoKoMan]

Originally Posted by kien

That's kinda what I was alluding to. The fibrous chaeto breaking down and mixing with detritus. Algae can tend to turn clear and snotty when it breaks down. Also, I'm not saying that's what it is. I'm saying that's what it looks like :-)

ok well that makes two of us thinking that! Now if I don’t hear anything else how do I get rid of it haha. I’m thinking of bleaching my LR in one of my sump sections as it’s sticking to it.

[kien]

Originally Posted by DKoKoMan

ok well that makes two of us thinking that! Now if I don’t hear anything else how do I get rid of it haha. I’m thinking of bleaching my LR in one of my sump sections as it’s sticking to it.

If it's alive (algae), then I have no clue. If it's dead (stuff), then probably just keep rinsing and siphoning it out until it's all (mostly) gone?

[DKoKoMan]

ya I thought it was just dead stuff (it might be) but seems to be so much that I thought maybe an algae... I will keep doing what I’m doing (siphoning, washing filters etc.) and hopefully it leaves.

[DKoKoMan]

Anyone else want to take a stab at what this stuff may be?

[Myka]

That's bacteria from the NoPoX dosing. If you switched to biopellets in a reactor with the output hose going directly into your skimmer intake then you won't get that bacteria in the sump.

[DKoKoMan]

Hmm interesting... I ran vertex biopellets in a reactor placed in my skimmer section for months with no real effect on nitrates. I may have to reconsider plumbing in a biopellets reactor in my new build as I don’t want a slime covered sump.

Just when things were nice and stable something like this happens

[DorySaid]

It's definitely bacteria. I seen it before in my holding tanks while setting up my current display.
I believe the actual color of that slime is originally translucent but probably with all the gunk running through, gives it a brownish tinge.