ALGAE ISSUES!!!

What kind of algae is this and how do I get rid of it! This is a 75 gallon tank and my nitrates are 2.0 ppm not reading any phosphates I am running a auto water changer and do 20 gallon water changes every 2 weeks on top of that /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/mad.gif

 

It looks like caulerpa to me. Do you have any tangs? It looks like something they would enjoy.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.saltwater-aquarium-online-guide.com/image-files/greenalgae_caulerpa.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.saltwater-aquarium-online-guide.com/green-algae.html&h=282&w=410&sz=40&tbnid=0mWE0De7GHl4dM:&tbnh=116&tbnw=169&zoom=1&usg=__vjtcFfn1f-_RyTmd9PFD0tYaUbA=&docid=H62xizkg8YJnhM&sa=X&ei=qsifUrG6BqWx2wXj94HgDw&ved=0CD0Q9QEwCA

 

No its more the texture of green hair algae caulerpa is almost like rubbery feeling algae

 

can you post a few more pictures, paryicularlly one that is just slightly further away so we can judge the size?


It looks like "Bryopsis pennata" based on the feather-look.

 

I think thats what it is!! Now to get rid of this crap without killing my coral!

 

Kent Tech-M (only use Kent's Tech-M) at high level (1700-1800ppm) and maintained. Manual removal. Shorten photoperiod. Keep the Mag steady so monitor it closely. Ensure CA and ALK are at a suggested level...Alk 8.0, CA 420. Make sure to use pure RO/DI with no PO4! (You are not reading PO4 because of the bryopsis consuming it!) Keep NO3 as low as possible! It takes along time to get rid of it so stay on top of it or it will just keep growing! Try to get the rock heavily covered with coralline algae afterwards so as to seal up the area where the roots were.


Another alternative is to transfer all livestock and corals to a holding tank with good biological filter, etc . Remove all rock, sand ... acid wash rock, empty and clean tank (skimmer, fuge, reactors, etc)throw out sand. Basically start the tank up entirely new. Ensure the corals are bryopsis free before placing in new tank.


Many methods have been used...some with success, others without. Lots of info on it on many reef sites with RC probably having the most info. It has a root system and also spreads by spores being released into the water.... Good luck Donovan!

 

how long should he recycle the tank I have kind of the same problem going on but I have a colony of frogspawn that is getting it on its skeleton how do I get it off I have tried the tooth brush but it comes back with in a few days to a week?

 

several sources have also said that a lettuce slug will eat it. or it will suck the chloroplasts out of it and at that time a tang or lawnmower blenny would eat it (if you want to be technical). i had something similar to that in my old tank so keep your N & P down. Try the mg and good luck. i'm not completely sold on it being byropsis but if it is the above stuff will work.

 

With the Kent Tech-M do I gradually raise the Mg or do I basically pour it in until I get the higher levels of Mg

 

Do it gradually. Although by gradually, I've seen recommendations this to mean increasing the mag level by 100mg per day.