Rhodophyta - Chondrus crispus 6/26/10
Hello crew,
<Perry>
Long time reader and first contact with a question, a testament to the use of the search function and knowledge base available. I'm trying to identify some algae growing in my tank and was wondering if you could help. I think
it may be Rhodophyta - Chondrus crispus
<Mmm, no... whatever this is, it is almost assuredly a Phaeophyte... a "brown"; on the basis of colour... Now what unifacial, two-dimensional genus does this remind me of? Have just gone through E(lmer) Yale Dawson's keys... don't see it>
and attached an image for your viewing. Nothing in my tank seems to find this appetizing and would like to
identify it. Thanks in advance.
Perry T Acosta
<I would periodically harvest by hand... likely too bitter to be palatable, perhaps too much of a competitor for iodide in your system. Bob Fenner>

Rhodophyta -- Chondrus crispus? Possible Phaeophyte: Dictyota or Dictyopteris spp. - 6/26/10
Hello crew,
<Hello Perry, Lynn here today.>
Long time reader and first contact with a question,
<Yay, bring it on!>
..a testament to the use of the search function and knowledge base available. I'm trying to identify some algae growing in my tank and was wondering if you could help. I think it may be Rhodophyta - Chondrus crispus and attached an image for your viewing.
<Thank you.>
Nothing in my tank seems to find this appetizing and would like to identify it.
<Well, judging from the color, I think this may actually be a Phaeophyte (brown algae) in the genus Dictyota or possibly Dictyopteris, of which there are many species (and variations in color). I would suggest an image search at AlgaeBase.org (http://www.algaebase.org/search/images/ ). Each photo will take you to another page where off to the right is a link to 'More information on this species'. Once there, you can proceed towards the bottom of the page, where you'll find a list of reported locations. Obviously, it'll help to know where your specimen came from! I'll just add that identifying algae to species level can be a very difficult and time-consuming task, so don't feel discouraged if you can only narrow to genus level. That alone can be quite an accomplishment! Be sure to also read through/see Bob's 'Brown Algae' page at this location: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/brnalgae.htm >
Thanks in advance.
<You're very welcome and good luck!>
Perry T Acosta
<Take care, Lynn Z>

Macro Id 3/2/10
Hey guys, I have an algae I'm trying to get an ID for. Looking at your Algae
ID page I think it's either Sargassum or, Ulva, or Caulerpa. I'm hoping it's Ulva, what do you think?
<Mmm, actually... does this stuff "feel soft?"... Am thinking you may have a "green variety" of the Phaeophyte Lobophora variegata here... can grow as this colour and size, shape with conditions that lack sufficient iodine/ide
et al.. See WWM re control. Bob Fenner>
It doesn't grow higher then about 1-2cm and it's about 1cm across. It's growing way too fast and has spread to the sand bed.
http://s48.photobucket.com/albums/f245/okkiedokki/?action=view&current=DSCN1343.jpg
http://s48.photobucket.com/albums/f245/okkiedokki/?action=view&current=DSCN1344.jpg

Name of algae   2/8/10
Dear WWM crew,
<Tineke>
Still puzzling with this algae. It was taken in North Sulawesi. Is it a Udotea?
<Mmm, no... am pretty sure this is Lobophora variegata. Please see here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/brnalgae.htm>
There is few to find of this algae beside your site. Thank you for your perfect site! Very often I'm returning to your site to look for my algae puzzles..
Thanks you for answering my question.
Greetings from Holland
Tineke Smit
<And you! Bob Fenner>

Blue Green Algae/Cyanobacteria... Mmm, nope   11/14/09
Hi Everybody!
I have looked through the archives for identification of an algae that I am having a problem with in my tank. I do believe it is Cyanobacteria but, would like a confirmation (see attachment).
<A nice pic!>
It's not slimy like other Cyanobacteria I have encountered before. It's slow growing and rather hard to remove from rock. Could this be anything other than Cyanobacteria?
<Yep>
Tank parameters: ph-8.3, nitrate-20ppm, phosphate->.02ppm, salinity-1.025. Currently running activated carbon and a skimmer 24-7 in addition to weekly water changes to help combat the problem. This tank has been established for two years. Thanks in advance for your time and knowledge.
<Glad to share. Am almost certain this is Lobophora variegata, a "brown"/Phaeophyte. Please see here: http://wetwebmedia.com/brnalgae.htm
and above for input on control, etc.. Bob Fenner>

Macroalgae ID: Dictyota -- 5/18/09
Good day crew!
<Hello Josh!>
This started growing on 2 of my rocks, and I didn't cut it back because the tank was new and I figured it was at least helping with nutrient export. It started out as a tiny piece, and grew into these bushes in about a month and a half. I'm cutting it back today, but wanted to finally figure out what it is.
<It looks like a Phaeophyte/brown algae called Dictyota, a potential nuisance. See info and photos at the following link: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/brnalgae.htm . Be sure to also Google Dictyota for more related information in our FAQ's: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/Googlesearch.htm >
It isn't growing anywhere but on these 2 rocks.
<Good, this stuff can take off on you if you're not careful.>
I don't plan on cutting it all off, and I want to move these rocks into my refugium as soon as the refugium is ready. The tips fluoresce a bluish color under my 20k halides and actinics.
<I've seen this in photos -- very pretty.>
I've been told it looks similar to Ochtodes, but it's not exactly the same. The pictures don't do it justice - it really is fairly pretty.
<Yes, indeed.>
Is it a nuisance?
<It sure can be! See the FAQ at the top of the following link, titled 'Stopping the dreaded Dictyota in its tracks (nuisance macroalgae control> 9/1/08': http://www.wetwebmedia.com/brnalgcomp.htm >
Should I keep it going in my refugium?
<I'd opt for something like Chaetomorpha instead.>
My refugium is under 6700k T5's, not halides - will it grow as well without halide lighting?
<That, I'm not entirely sure about. It may not grow as quickly. Apparently, it's a mostly shallow water species, but it's known to inhabit deeper waters (up to 40m). Again, I'd opt for a safer macro for nutrient export.>
Thanks as always!
<You're very welcome!>
Josh
<Take care, LynnZ>