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FAQs on Marine Algae Identification 34

Related Articles: Avoiding Algae Problems in Marine System, Algae Control, Marine Maintenance, Nutrient Control and Export, Marine Scavengers, Snails, Hermit Crabs, Mithrax/Emerald Green Crabs, Sea Urchins, Blennies, Algae Filters, Ctenochaetus/Bristle Mouth Tangs, Zebrasoma/Sailfin Tangs, Skimmers, Skimmer Selection, Marine Algae, Coralline Algae, Green Algae, Brown Algae, Blue-Green "Algae"/(Cyanobacteria), Diatoms, Brown Algae,

Related FAQs: Algae ID Visual Guide, Marine Algae ID 1, Marine Algae ID 2, Marine Algae ID 3, Marine Algae ID 4, Marine Algae ID 5, Marine Algae ID 6, Marine Algae ID 7, Marine Algae ID 8, Marine Algae ID 9, Marine Algae ID 10, Marine Algae ID 11, Marine Algae ID 12, Marine Algae ID 13, Marine Algae ID 14, Marine Algae ID 15, Marine Algae ID 16, Marine Algae ID 17, Marine Algae ID 18, Marine Algae ID 19, Marine Algae ID 20, Marine Algae ID 21, Marine Algae ID 21, Marine Algae ID 23, Marine Algae ID 24, Marine Algae ID 25, SW Algae ID 26, SW Algae ID 27, SW Algae ID 28, SW Algae ID 29, SW Algae ID 30, SW Algae ID 31, SW Algae ID 32, SW Algae ID 33, SW Algae ID 34, SW Algae ID 35SW Algae ID 36SW Algae ID 37SW Algae ID 38SW Algae ID 39& Marine Algae Control FAQs 2, Marine Algaecide Use, Nutrient Limitation, Marine Algae Eaters, Culturing Macro-Algae; Controlling: BGA/Cyano, Red/Encrusting Algae, Green Algae, Brown/Diatom Algae,

Mystery Diagnosis   4/1/13
WWM Team,
<Dan>
I am reaching out to you for help with identifying some mystery "Goo" that is beginning to cover the rocks in my 650 Gallon reef. I have a feeling it is bacteria related but doesn't look like any Cyanobacteria that I have seen before.
<Have seen such and looked at under a scope a few times... When I did I found a mix of BGA, Protists and Sponges/Poriferans...>
 Water parameters are PH 8.3, KH 11, Calcium 420, Nitrates/Phosphates 0.
The substance is white, comes off when brushed and grows in the light (towards the bottom) but not in the shade. It is gelatin like to the touch and is beginning to cover rock that is on the lower ledges of the tank. I have attached a picture for your review and if you have any thoughts on what this could possibly be I could rest a lot easier! Thank you again!!
Dan Mathews
<I'd encourage you to do as I have done look/see wise... I'd also be pro-active in slowing its progression. Will cover, smother attached life/livestock. What is your ORP? Do you use Ozone? I would... Bob Fenner>

Re: Mystery Diagnosis   4/1/13
Thanks Bob!
<Welcome Dan>
To be honest I never looked at / tested ORP and do not use any ozone.
<Ahh, with a tank of this size/volume and what you have investigated in livestock, I definitely would>
 After reading your message I did my research and now understand whats behind your advice. I will have to pick up an ORP tester on Monday and check on the ability of the water to cleanse itself. Just for more context, my current 650 gallon reef is the consolidation of two reef tanks (90 and 92 g) I had before I recently moved.....so my current tank is only about 8 months old. I use all the usual gear for filtration..skimmer, Chemi-pure, Refugium with a lot of Macroalgae but after reading about ORP it seems there is more to the equation then just that. In terms of bio-load, I don't feed my fish any commercial food since my only fish are 3 tangs (Yellow, Purple, and Achilles) that I had for the last 5 years.. so I only clip Gracilaria and Ulva that I get fresh from Kona every two weeks through indo-pacific sea farms
<Ahh, know IPSF, and had places mauka of Kailua and down Ali'i Drive... and up in Waikoloa... had hoped to be living on the Big Island by now...>
 to try and minimize introducing phosphates and silicates. (I have two clownfish as well but they hunt on their own, eating pods and baby shrimp).
I bring this up because even though the standard tests say my water parameters are within range, and my bio load doesn't seem that high, I *feel* something is up.
<Agreed>
I thought a bigger tank would be easier but it just presents its own set of challenges. Bob, thanks for pointing me in this direction..now at least I have an action plan.
Thanks for helping to protect my reef!!! (Picture Attached)
Dan
<Very nice. BobF>

Re: Mystery Diagnosis, algal plus mess     4/1/13
Thanks Bob!
<Certainly Dan>
I actually came back from the Big Island on Saturday since my 6 year old daughter wanted to see a "real" school of yellow tangs for her spring break.
<Ahh!>
There is no faster way to get a child hooked on the ocean than a day with the fish at Kahalu'u Beach Park and then food at "Da Poke Shack" on Ali'i Drive :-) I've dived the Great Barrier Reef and Caribbean but nothing makes my knees weak like seeing the large schools of yellow tangs at the City of Refuge
<Ah, Two Step immediately to the north is a treasure... and of course Cap'n Cook's, and, and...>
and it really reminds me of the responsibility we have to really care for these amazing creatures. I would say I hope you can disappear to the Big Island soon but all of us need your wisdom too much Bob... :-)
(Sorry for the digression :-) Being in Hawaiian waters is almost a spiritual experience for me so I get carried away)
<Understand>
Thanks Again so much!
Dan
<Cheers, BobF>

Narrowing down algae identification   4/1/13
Hi,
I was hoping you could point me in the right direction.  You've helped me recently battling a Cyanobacteria invasion.  Right now, I do not have any obvious Cyano on the sand or rocks, it's been dwindling and have not had to siphon the sand in a week or two.  I would guess there is still Cyano in there but just not enough to be obvious.  The pink Fiji sand is not making it easy to tell.  The tank is 55 gallons and I'm still changing about 7 gallons of water a week.  Ammonia and nitrites are 0.  Nitrates are either 0 or a tiny smidge above depending on who you ask to read the test kit and what kind of light they are using.  I've added a medium Aquafuge 2 with 20 pounds of live sand which gives me a small DSB ranging from 4 inches at one end sloping up to 5 inches at the other end.
<Ahh, these should help in time>
 I have CPR's 24 watt PC light fixture on it and some Chaeto that is growing plus a few critters.  I'd like to give a shout out to CPR for making a well done product.  All of the display tank lighting is now LED's with the latest addition being a pair of TMC AquaRay Aquabeam 600 "reef white" Ultima's on one side of the tank where the other side has the pretty nice but older LED fixture meant for corals.
<Very nice indeed>
  I have to do a quick touch up with magnetic scrubber on the glass maybe once a week.  There are still just one Coral Beauty, the Lyretail Hawkfish and one Blue Green Chromis.  
What I have now is best described a pink translucent fuzz growing on the tops of the rocks, the backs of snails and on the tops of the power heads and tubing.  The fuzz is 1/16th of an inch tall.  It is growing out of either dark green/brown/red looking "plugs" depending on how you look at them so in reality, the pink fuzz is most likely green or brown but made to look pink because of the lighting.  It is some very tough stuff, you can not scrub it off with a tooth brush.  Snails eat it.
I've included a picture.  There is also a similar looking photo on  http://www.wetwebmedia.com/maralgidf23.htm  "Re: Algae ID... time, past, for a scope  -- 07/08/08 "  but I can't tell the scale.
The higher up in the tank you go, the more there is.  It is some type of algae for sure which means I've still got work to do on nutrient control but....is it some sort of Cyano or is this just what has pushed the Cyano out? 
Thank you!
Paul
<Can't tell from looking here; but I would just keep on the path you're set on... this too will go in time. Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Re: Narrowing down algae identification   4/1/13
Thanks.
I had a feeling identifying with a description and a questionable photograph would be a challenge.
<Heeeee! Oh yes... see WWM re algal IDs... had a few courses in phycology/algology in college... have to look/see under a 'scope, test for storage food type/s, light capturing pigment type/s.... Can't tell by colour, gross appearances>
A friend of mine does bird watching and I asked what kind of bird was in the back yard. She looked and said it was a LBJ. 
<Lyndon B. Johnson? "Believe me or I'll tan your hide!">
 I'd never heard if that and asked what it stood for. She responded "Little Brown Jobbie".  You need something like that for algae.
<Mmm>
  I'm going to watch the fish now.  The tank is increasingly looking like a patient in the ICU with lots of tubes, wires and plastic machines all neatly organized and humming along with a bill that will make your hair stand on end.  Enjoy and have fun today.
Paul
<Thank you Paul. You as well. BobF>

some algae ID please 12/3/12
Hi.  3reef seems stumped and I was directed here.
Linking a pic and a video (photobucket) for reference.
This stuff followed a Cyano outbreak.  The tank is over four years old.
Param.s are solid and nasties are 0 (measurable) though they are probably tied up in this growth.
<Assuredly, yes>
Calothrix was suggested but it doesn't really fit the description, it's not as stringy.  iodine test showed no starches
Haven't been able to ID the source.  Changed all filters in all stages of RO/DI (even though was 0 TDS) to be safe.  Have added a green clown goby.
Otherwise, no additions in a very long time.
it's slimy, disintegrates when you take it out of the water, almost bulbous looking.
<Have seen this sort of mass/mess many times in wholesale LR curing operations... and under a scope; it's a mix of Dinoflagellates, some browns (Phaeophytes), Cyanophytes, and other Monera, Protistans... >
The directory of pics
http://s449.beta.photobucket.com/user/Peredhil_photo/library/Aquarium/Algae
Some highlighted pics and a video
http://i449.photobucket.com/albums/qq219/Peredhil_photo/Aquarium/Algae/F8619
66E-BA90-496C-8560-670F3CD89F59-12096-00000F63331534FB.jpg
http://s449.beta.photobucket.com/user/Peredhil_photo/media/Aquarium/Algae/5A8BBEBD-C021-4F31-8BCE-CC506E91496D-12096-00000F6350E45A2D.mp4.html 
Thank you!!! Any help appreciated.
ID is most important, tips for getting rid of it appreciated too.
<Dumping all the water out, rinsing off most the biomass, doing what one can to restrict nutrient availability, using competitors, algal predators... the usual assortment of techniques gone over and over on WWM. Bob Fenner>
Jason

Help identifying and treating this stuff … ? algae 11/9/12
Hello All
I have a 250 red sea max that has been running for the past 6 months.
<Nice units>
Lights have been changed to LEDs. I upgraded from a 30g Biocube. Original inhabitants were a yellow and blue tang. I added in a few mushrooms, xenia, bubble coral, and frogspawn 3 months ago. They have all been doing well. 4-6 wks ago I added in a hot pink bubble tip anemone (small about 1.5 inches in diameter) and a few fish (glass cardinal and a pair of orange and black clowns-after quarantine).
Now my tank is covered in a web like substance that I suspect is some kind of algae.
<Yes; most likely Dinoflagellates; though could be a considerable amount of diatoms, even blue-green/Cyanophytes>
I may have gotten a little excited about all the new fish and may have fed them a little more than I normally do. I feed them formula one pellets and a very little bit of brine fish. The anemone gets a tiny piece of shrimp that I cut up. I got a goby and 4 more Turbos to try to control it, but it does not seem to be working. The stuff looks like spider webs. It seems like its getting worse. At first I read about worms that may do this but it is too extensive and it has bubbles all over it.
<Not worms; but the only way to discern what groups of algae are here is microscopic examination>
The sand looks a little better after adding the goby, but the sand it kicks up seems to make the rest of the tank look dirtier as it sticks to the algae.
Please let me know what I did wrong,
<Mmm, not likely much... this is a sort/path of "maturing" of a new/er system>
how to fix it and prevent it from happening again.
<You've a bit of reading... Start here: http://wetwebmedia.com/avoidingalgaeproblesm.htm
and on to the embedded links... the linked files at top>
My poor bubble coral went from being a pretty white to a brownish color. I assume this is due to the algae growing in/around it. Will it change back?
<Hopefully>
pH 8.4, KH107.4 (added buffer), nitrate 0,phosphate 0,
<... your corals, other photosynthates need measurable NO3 and PO4>
sp gr 1.025-.026, 80 degrees...
Thanks in advance. I had a beautifully clean tank full of coralline. I am hoping to see it again.
Alice
<Get reading... write back if your options are not clear. Bob Fenner>

Algae ID 11/1/12
Hey guys!
sorry of the pic is large sending email from iPhone.
<Tis fine size wise, but poorly resolved>
Anyways, I'm having trouble with a very light/lime green fuzzy/hairy algae. (I checked your algae id page couldn't an id) I've dealt with the normal dark green algae before and this seems to different. Number one it is very easy to just brush away, number 2 my phosphate and nitrates cease to exist.
<Likely being taken up by the life here, including this algae>
I have recently within the last month -2months changed out my t-5 bulbs since I've had the others for a year. I know that new bulbs can sometimes cause nuisance algae. But this just seems to maybe be something else. Any suggestions?
<...? Yes; read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/avoidingalgaeproblesm.htm
and the linked files where they pertain... You/I can't tell what algal group is involved here w/o microscopic examination... this may be a Green/Chlorophyte, a Blue/Green/Cyanophyte, or.... color alone is not definitive>
I also do 10g water changes weekly (75g mixed reef), I've turned the lights off for 2-3days with a water change. Just seems to keep coming back.
Also am getting a Nasty dark brown algae in my sand, not red slime!
Thanks guys!
<"Many roads..." lead not only to Rome, but to understanding of nuisance algae issues... Read on! Bob Fenner>

Orange spots ID... new SW tank      10/25/12
Hello! I have a saltwater tank with live rock and live sand and T5's. I added a few snails and hermit crabs to the tank roughly a week ago and yesterday I noticed a lot of Orange spots on the sand and on the rock. Do you know what this could be?
<... likely an algae of some sort; but this can only be a guess given the info. presented. Bob Fenner>
 Thank you, Andie 
Re: Orange spots on sand; algal ID f'     10/25/12

Thank you so much!!
<Don't be concerned re these (likely) Diatom algal colony growths... they're part of the process of breaking in a new system. BobF>

algae identification    10/1/12
Hello WWW Crew,
<Javiera>
I was wondering if you could help me identify the following algae. I searched de web, it looks very similar to Chaetomorpha, but not exactly.
<Mmm, can't make this out well enough other than to state that it appears to be a filamentous green/Chlorophyte...
I see  by your contact info. below that you're associated w/ a university; do you have access to a copy of "How to Know the Seaweeds" by E. Yale Dawson? I'd ask a reference librarian in your school for help here, and a professor for use of a dissecting 'scope for a closer view.
Thank you,
--
Javiera Echenique Berton
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>

Re: algae identification    10/1/12
Thank you for the help!! I will look for the book.
Javiera
<Real good. Nos vemos. BobF>
Help! Ich? Prelude to disaster, now alg. ids
Bob, hm, wonder if there is a root cause in the "algae"...having ignored this problem due to managing the disease but now giving it more focus...
Can I trouble you to review the attached pictures/video of the "algae" in my tank?
<Ok>
You will see: flakes that slough off and rest (grow?) on nearby PVC pipe, the pest growing on substrate and rocks, short/stocky filaments waving in the water column.
I am having difficulty identifying what this could be - algae, diatom, cyanobacteria all seem doubtful. Any thoughts?
<Could be any/all of these>
I assumed that nuisance algae issues were occurring due to the / crypto-pro dosing and didn't pay much more attention to them over the last few months.
<The Cu should have killed all off... one last time (for now!); "don't treat in display systems". B>

algae ID    7/20/12
Hello!
<Good morning Dave.>
Could anyone hazard a guess on the identification of the 2 little buds of algae on my rock, and the 3rd similar one between the Neomeris and Halimeda? They are very tiny, and at first I thought it was a Caulerpa nummularia, but now am wondering if it’s actually an Acetabularia.
<Can be a tricky distinction from a single picture.>
 There is no sign of a rhizome, and each one seems like a separate “plant”, however the two close ones have a very short “stalk”, while the other has a longer stalk.
<Lack of rhizomes eliminates the Caulerpa.>
 There are several on different parts of the rock which also have a longer stalk. Just trying to decide whether to let it be or start scrubbing!
<From the picture and description, I believe you have an Acetabularia sp. I'd let it be.>
Thank you,
<Welcome>
Dave
<Jordan>

Unknown Saltwater Plant???   6/20/12
Hi,
<Afternoon Bill>
I noticed this specimen growing in my Reef Tank about 3 Days ago....  I believe that it is a plant of some sort.....
<Yep.>
I have no idea what it is, where it came from, or obviously if it is a positive thing or should I remove it as quickly as possible.....
<A very small piece likely hitch-hiked in.>
I know that the pic is not the best, but I have included one.....  Any ideas???
<Appears to be a species of Caulerpa.  I am fairly certain it is C. racemosa based on the circular fronds and rhizoids; a more defined picture would eliminate any doubt.>
BTW - The tank has been up for 2.5 Years...   50 Gallon Sea Clear System II....  SG is 1.025, Zero for Nitrates, and unable to get a reading for Phosphates....  Water Temp has been a little high  at 78.9 F....
I have not introduced any new inhabitants for at least 3 Months, or Live Rock for approx. 9 Months....  No Refugium....  Protein Skimmer, External Rena Filter XP4, and Power Heads
for moderate flow
Any help would be appreciated....  Any ideas???
<I would remove it but that's your call. Read more on Caulerpa--
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_6/volume_6_4/caulerpa.html  
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/caulerpaalg.htm >
Thanks!!!
<Quite welcome.>
Bill
<Jordan>

Re: Unknown Saltwater Plant???   6/20/12
Hi Jordan,
<Hello Bill>
Just wanted to Thank-you for the quick response....
<Anytime>
I will yank the offender ASAP....
<Sounds like a plan, be sure to remove all of the rhizoid.>
Tks!!!
Bill
<Jordan>

Cyano ?     3/12/12
Hi
A couple of months ago i sent in a picture and Bob said i had Cyano on back wall of tank.
I have been fighting it since.
Increased water circulation 50% and reduced nitrates to 0.
I was scraping a little the other day and it comes off like flake fish food. It actually looks like red flakes now too on tank wall.. Could this be it dying maybe?
<Mmm, maybe... coming off in flakes doesn't "sound" like Cyano... is this stuff slimy? BGAs are invariably so>
Frightened to scrape it as i tried this last time and fish were eating it and a few died.
<Oh!>
Is this Cyano as i keep being told i should be able to either peel it off or just hoover it up.
<I'd hoover while peeling>
Not this stuff. Scraping the only way.
Your thoughts appreciated as always.
Thanks
Gary.
<Again, I'd take a look under a scope... BGA being Monerans, don't have nuclei.... definitive. BobF>
Re: Cyano ?
     3/12/12
Thanks Bob
Not slimy at all but did look bubbly in parts.
If anything it just looks so dry, like flake and scrapes like dry paint. Red in colour.
I tried hoovering while scraping but didn't have great success.
It is only on back wall of tank. Nowhere else.
My tank has grates on back wall where the water is sucked through.
This is where the main problem is.
Don`t know if any of this helps at all.
Gary
<Mmm, not much more. Again... microscope. B>

ID Help, Macro or Bubble? 12/14/11
Hello to the good folk of WWM!
<Hello Rey>
Can you help identify what type of Macro Algae or Bubble Algae I have growing here? Its growing on several different rocks.
They are very small, maybe the size of a small chocolate chip and shaped like a leaf. Very soft to the touch. Anything to worry about or will it run its course?
<Some Rhodophytes have also been dubbed by some as Red Valonia, but your macro algae appears to be a Rhodophyte,
Botryocladia skottsbergii. I'm not sure if they spread like Valonia so I will ask Bob for his input in this regard.> <<Not nearly as robust, invasive as Valonia. RMF>>
Thanks!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Rey

Dear Bob,

Hope you can help. I have a 600l mixed reef that is running smoothly apart from what I can only describe as reef snot! I repeatedly get a covering of this mucus type stuff on several rocks. I have attached a photo, however it is a light brown in colour and occasionally forms bubbles. It is loosely attached and easily syphons out but generally regrows quite quickly within a couple of days; occasionally it may take a week to regrow, but always seems to come back. If left, it will grow into large globules and strings that sometimes detach in the flow. The problem started a couple of months back.

Do you have any idea what it is and how i can get rid of it? I suspect it could be some kind of bacterial algae?

Some info about my reef if it helps: It has been running approx 2 years and is a standard Berlin type system with mature rock. I utilise a good quality protein skimmer which is slightly oversized and iron based phosphate remover in a Deltec fluidiser. Flow is moderate to strong using Tunze streams. Magnesium, calcium and KH are kept in check with balling lite using Fauna Marin salts apart from KH for which I use standard bicarb of soda from the local cash and carry (£4 for 3kg!)

Water parameters are good and stable with nitrate and phosphate being unreadable on Salifert test kit and a Hanna tester. I've attached a general photo of the tank for reference.

Many thanks and best regards,

Description: C:\Users\rich\Desktop\General pic.jpg

Ian, by email

Description: C:\Users\rich\Desktop\Snot.jpg


Ian, I have seen, even personally experienced this sort of light brown coloured slime issue'¦ and taken a look at bits of it through my handy dandy Mattel-Intel QX3 microscope. As far as I can tell, most of the life here is/was Dinoflagellates'¦ single celled algae with whip-like and a girdling flagella (for locomotion)'¦ along with a mix of other algal groups members, Protists'¦ There are a few standard approaches to limiting such growth. These include nutrient limitation (through good skimming which you have, use of some chemical filtrants, water changes, gravel vacuuming, the use of in-place and remoted DSBs/Deep Sand Beds'¦) and nutrient introduction prevention (rinsing frozen/defrosted foods, using foodstuffs that are discrete and completely digestible and palatable so that they're consumed'¦). Importantly, attention to raised and sustained RedOx (covered in an article in this issue of UM, do read this) perhaps through the introduction of Ozone, or other means e.g., increased pH, above 8.5 during the day, low of 8.3 during the night. All these are activities that favour other organisms that will out-compete noisome algae for nutrients.

You mention the possibility that this mass is bacterial algae, likely referring to Cyanobacteria or Blue-green algae. Both Dinoflagellates and BGA are indeed slimy, and the latter does occur in several colours, though rarely brown. Determination of group can be readily determined by microscopic examination; the BGA being Monerans and like bacteria lacking nuclei and having but one circular strand of DNA.

You also note the age of the system and that it is well-established. I encourage you to either add, or renew some part of your live rock here'¦ this will add to RedOx, and replenish your likely depauperate mix of life on and in the rock and substrate. The ecological improvement will also grant you relief from the brown slime problem.

The lack of detectable nitrate and phosphate are telling'¦ these nutrients may be being taken up by the undesirable biota here, or may be dangerously limited, otherwise unavailable to your purposeful livestock here. To put this bluntly, I would be pro-active in reducing, ridding your system of the brown slime.

Green Hair Algae 11/26/11
<We require that people send files of no larger size than a few hundred Kbytes. See WWM re Chlorodesmis. Bob Fenner>
For a almost 6 months we've been losing a battle to green hair algae. Our 250 reef tank had been doing well until the back of the glass was covered with hair algae. Not thinking/realizing it was time to add more to our CUC, we scraped the back glass ourselves and the hair algae attached to the rocks. We tried manually cleaning the rocks but the few threads we missed clung to new rocks and continued to grow. When I have browsed your website, the closest algae to ours appears to be turtle weed. I'm attaching
pictures to see if you could please help us identify our hair algae. Our magnesium was low (1120) and our nitrates were at 10. We are raising the magnesium and continuing to run carbon and phosphate removers. We have added additional types of macro algae to our refugium, changed our lights, reduced the light period of our MH to only 6 hours but still have the VHOs on 4 hours prior to the MH and 4 hours after the MH. We have also reduced feedings and recently added snails (Astrea turbo snails). We had been
trying to use Mexican Turbos but hadn't had much luck with them. No one wants to eat it and we can't seem to kill it. Any type of ID help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help and guidance.

Re: Green Hair Algae 11/26/11
Here are the smaller images, I will check out Chlorodesmis. Thanks
<Ahh; I/we thank you. The 50 Megs of space our email has was past 76% full>
For almost 6 months we've been losing a battle to green hair algae. Our 250 reef tank had been doing well until the back of the glass was covered with hair algae. Not thinking/realizing it was time to add more to our CUC, we scraped the back glass ourselves and the hair algae attached to the rocks. We tried manually cleaning the rocks but the few threads we missed clung to new rocks and continued to grow. When I have browsed your website, the closest algae to ours appears to be turtle weed.
<Ah yes>
I'm attaching pictures to see if you could please help us identify our hair algae. Our magnesium was low (1120) and our nitrates were at 10. We are raising the magnesium and continuing to run carbon and phosphate removers.
<Hopefully these won't starve other live, your livestock here>
We have added additional types of macro algae to our refugium, changed our lights, reduced the light period of our MH to only 6 hours but still have the VHOs on 4 hours prior to the MH and 4 hours after the MH. We have also reduced feedings and recently added snails (Astrea turbo snails). We had been trying to use Mexican Turbos but hadn't had much luck with them. No one wants to eat it and we can't seem to kill it. Any type of ID help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help and guidance.
<Welcome... do consider a (remoted) DSB as well. BobF>
Re: Green Hair Algae 11/27/11

Thank you so much for your response. I'm really perplexed to how we have turtle weed growing in our tank. Besides installing a remote DSB are there any other suggestions you might add?
<Mmm, the usual trials for potential predators, other means of nutrient deprivation... Read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/maintenance/maintindex.htm
scroll down to the Algae Control tray... BobF>
None of our fish will eat it but it seems like some of the Astrea snails are working on it. I have ordered some Mexico Turbos to see if they will help too. Any other suggestions? Thank you again.

Algae id, 10/29/11
Good evening,
<Hi>
Can you help me with an id on this algae? What kind does this look like?
Thanks
Rob
<Looks like Cyano with maybe some diatoms mixed in. See here for more http://www.wetwebmedia.com/bluegralgae.htm .>
<Chris>

Algae Identification -- 10/12/11
Hello Crew,
First off, thanks for all the years of being here for us!
<Welcome>
I noticed this form of algae popping up all over my live rock over the last week. The only algae it resembles at all to me is, Acetabularia acetabulum (mermaid's wine glass).
Can you please help me identify it and let me know if it could take over my tank. The algae is white with a green stem hard to the touch, looks like a daisy, and does not retract when touched; but the flower (as I'm calling it) portion of it falls off if I try to move it back and forth.
My reef tank is 30 gallons with a 20 gallon sump. I am running a CPR Aquafuge Small and a protein skimmer.
Here are a couple of pictures of the algae:
Thanks Again,
Nick
<Mmm, I think this is an Octocoral of some sort... A Clavulariid... Do see the Net re... Bob Fenner>

Reef Tank Fuzzies 9/12/11
Hello Guys,
<Babak>
I have been having quite a time trying to figure out what's growing on one of my coral skeletons, it resembles green hair algae yet has no color or is perhaps white or grey and seems to branch in some places.
<Mmm, digitate... likely is an algae of some sort... Really need to look at under a lowish power microscope to tell for sure>
Does anyone have any idea what this is? I was told that it may be some type of sponge but I don't feel
that's right.
<Not likely a sponge if very flexible... Algae come in all colours... yours is likely a blue-green/Cyanophyte... See WWM re, including limiting nutrient, other means of control. Bob Fenner>
Thanks,
Bob

Re Pest Anemone/Aiptasia ID, now algal mat ID 7/31/11 - 8/1/11
Thanks for the confirmation, James.
<You're welcome.>
I got a Magnesium test today. First test came out at 1450. It appears that is close to normal...I'm still reading up on Magnesium in general.
<I would not let this get any higher and lean toward a range of 1250-1350ppm.>
<There will be a magnesium article in our latest issue of WWM Digital Magazine which should be released very shortly.>
I'll test tomorrow just to ensure there was no operator error. Also, I attached a few more pics of the algae 'mat' I have on my live rock. No problem if you can't ID it.
<I see no pic attached but no need to resend, just concentrate on lowering your nitrate level.
May want to read here. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nitratesmar.htm >
I think I'm going to work with a lemon juice or vinegar solution before buying any chemical additive for the Aiptasia. Thanks, again for your time.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Re Pest Anemone/Aiptasia ID 7/31/11 - 8/1/11
Oops, sorry Adam, I do see the pics. Mistakenly looking for them on the reply page which will not show attachments. Cannot identify exactly, but a common mat type algae that generally develops within newer systems and should disappear as you lower your nutrient/nitrate levels. You may also want to hire a few more hands for your clean up crew.
James (Salty Dog)>

What kind of Algae is this? 7/28/11
I thought it was Bryopsis, but now I'm not sure. It's really starting to take a real hold all over the tank, and is tough to pull out. I had a turbo that would eat it, but it died.
<Mmm, a clue perhaps>
Now all the new Turbos/snails won't touch it..
<And this>
I'm currently dosing Kent tech-m, and at 1700 ppm Mg, but there seems to be no effect on it so far.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KzuNFf7_COQ/TjC_XIw4b2I/AAAAAAAABKE/yEK0O8pu3SE/s800/IMG_2175.jpg
<Doesn't open>
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B9Bv_aP2xco/TjC_XQlnDcI/AAAAAAAABKI/tpXHcjp72BI/s800/IMG_2176.jpg
<Fragments... does appear to be a Thallophyte (vs. a Moneran/Blue Green... might be BGA mixed in/on), but... perhaps Derbesia... There are a few approaches to control. Read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/maintenance/maintindex.htm
scroll down... Bob Fenner>
Thanks!
Eric

Is this bubble algae?/what kind of coral is this? 7/15/11
Hello everyone at WWM,
<Tim>
I got this Zoanthid about 7 weeks ago at my LFS for $5.00. I had it on a rack and just moved it on to a rock. Is this bubble algae to the right of it?
<Mmm, yes>
I have never had that type of algae. I have not glued the piece yet so I can take it out and remove if that is what it is, don't want it spreading.
<Mmm, see WWM re Valoniaceans>
I also heard that it is easier to remove if the bubbles are bigger. In the second picture I won this at a frag swap and forgot to ask what it was.
Is it Favia?
<I do think it is of this genus, yes>
Thanks for your help it is much appreciated.
Tim
<Welcome! Bob Fenner>

Clearish Dinoflagellates? 6/7/11
Good Morning Crew,
I have what appear to be clear to white dino's all over my rockwork.
<Mmm, maybe>
Tank is a 58 gallon w/ a Tunze 6045 and 6025 for circulation, BM100 v2 skimmer. It's long and gets bubbles on it, has a slimy texture,
<Here's a clue...>
and has spread everywhere. Tank is a mixed reef. The best way to describe it is it has the appearance and texture of snot, with some bubbles. I feed mainly NLS pellets, which rarely do any go uneaten. It's been around for a couple months, and doesn't show any sign of going away. Scrubbing rocks hasn't helped. Any ideas what this is? I'll attach a picture.
Thanks,
Seth
<Likely this is a mix of species/organisms... the slimy component Cyanobacterial... Need microscopic examination, perhaps some simple to not staining to define... But the usual approaches: nutrient limitation,
removal, competition and predation... See WWM re algal control, are your guide to reducing, eliminating this mess. Bob Fenner>

Hair turning red 4/30/11
Hi,
<Ian>
I have visited your site many times and always found the answers to my questions amongst the pages. It's been really helpful as I've only had my tank 6 months and everyday seems to bring a new question! Anyway, I searched for an answer to my latest query but could find none so I am writing to you today.
<Ok>
My 24g marine aquarium is going fine and water parameters have been stable and good for some time now. Ammonia, nitrite are zero and nitrate and phosphate as near to zero as possible (less than 1ppm each). Ph varies between 7.9 and 8.1 depending on time of day and specific gravity is 1.023.
<I'd raise this... see WWM re spg>
I have a few different corals which seem happy but I notice that one of them is growing red.
<... Do you mean the algae here?>
By that I mean the new growth is red. When I bought this I was told by the LFS that it's maiden's hair. You can see it in the first attached picture.
Is it supposed to be red or is this some kind of Cyano growth? I would say some bits have doubled in length in 2 weeks but all the new growth is red.
<Yes>
A second patch has grown all by itself on a piece of rock that another coral came with. I've attached a picture of that too as it doesn't seem to be growing red at all. Is this second one also maiden's hair or is it something different?
<Just more resistant for now>
In which case is it desirable or not? It looks more fern-like to me.
<This is a Chlorophyte, a green algae, being overgrown by a type of encrusting Red Algae...>
Kind regards and thanks in advance,
Ian
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>

Re: Hair turning red 4/30/11
Hi again and thanks for the super-quick reply!
<Welcome>
Apologies for asking too many questions in one sentence but does your answer "yes" refer to it being normal to be red or to it being a Cyano growth?
<Sorry for the lack of clarity. This green growth is an algae, not a coral, and the one patch is being overgrown by a Rhodophyte... a red algae, NOT a Cyanophyte. B>
Kind regards,
Ian

Re: Hair turning red 5/2/11
Hi once more,
<Ian>
After the clarification I decided to give the algae a "hair-cut" to remove the red-encrusting ends.
<Mmm>
I did this in the presumption that the red was not desirable but with hindsight I'm not sure why I thought that. Was that a correct assumption - that the red encrusting algae is bad?
<Is not "bad" for your system... a bit of natural succession. Is bad for the "maiden hair" algae... in that it will slow down its growth somewhat...>
There seems to be a lot of conflicting opinions on the internet regarding this and I'm not sure which to believe.
<Then do nothing till you understand>
Anyway, whilst attempting a hair-cut a crab scuttled out from underneath.
It's about 2.5cm across and seems to have lost a claw. The nearest thing I can find on your ID pages is Lissocarcinus laevis
<Nah>
but I cannot find information about whether or not he is desirable in a reef tank with fish and other invertebrates. I have attached a photo.
<Most Decapods are not... if this one isn't doing any apparent damage, I'd leave it be; enjoy it>
Kind regards,
Ian
>And you, B<

Algae ID 3/24/11
Hi,
I have enclosed pictures of algae I am facing in my aquarium
<... I see these>
Appreciate if you help identify it.
Thanks
Steven
<Uhh, can't identify, even to Division (eq. to Phylum in Zool. Taxonomy) this life... Might be a mix... likely at least in part BGA/Cyanobacteria. Do you have access to a 'scope of a few hundred power? Read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/marinvind1.htm
the third batch down... Bob Fenner>

Identifying very young anemone (Aiptasia?) 3/21/11
I have something resembling Aiptasia sprouting out of my young live rock.
I read Bob Fenner's excellent article on Aiptasia here, and learned a lot.
But looking at pictures and reading descriptions is not a good way for a person like me, who does not know what to look for, to identify something.
I wonder if there are definitive characteristics of young anemones.
<Mmm, yes... the shape, size of tentacles; if these vary... the mouth, shape/size of column, presence of verrucae, stickiness, colour...>
Actually, if this is an anemone of ANY type I don't want it in my FOWLR tank, right?
<Likely so>
On the other hand, even though I can easily pull the rock and pour boiling water on the thing, I hesitate to indiscriminately kill anything.
It has the characteristic light brown, almost translucent tapered tentacles, about 3/4 inch long right now, growing slowly.
But there are several things about it that don't quite fit:
1) The anemone photos show a large tube with the tentacles surrounding the edge of the tube. But this thing has no such tube. All of the tentacles radiate from a single holdfast on the surface of the rock. Is this how a young anemone looks, or does this rule out an anemone?
<Could be an Anemone... or a Zoanthid... or a single stony coral polyp that has yet to generate much of a skeleton...>
2) There are several of them nearby. One has about a half-dozen tentacles, one is just a single tentacle attached to the rock, and another is just two. Do young anemones start out this way?
<Some can>
3) I read that they have a 'pull back' reaction if touched. But I lightly prodded it with a plastic probe and it has no reaction at all.
<Some species are relatively insensitive to touch>
What do you think? Should I watch and wait? Or just pull the rock and hit it with boiling water?
Thanks! Tim
<I'd wait, observe, enjoy for now. Unless these animals are obviously stinging your fish livestock, they're not likely trouble. Oh, do send along some well-resolved photos when you can. Bob Fenner>
Re: Identifying very young anemone (Aiptasia?) 3/21/11

Bob - Thank you for the reply! This thing is so small that it's hard to get a good picture, but I have attached the best one I could get. The item in question is the tuft of light brown tendrils at the upper-right of the photo.
<Bizarre...>
If you think there is any chance at all that this is Aiptasia, I'd like to get it out now, because as of the moment it is on only one small area of one rock. I'd like to attack before it spreads. But if you think it's
not, or if you think immanent spreading is unlikely, I'll just let it go and keep watch.
<... I'd like to snip a piece off and take a look-see under a scope... to me this looks like some sort of aberrant red(dish) algae more than anything else>
By the way, do you have any idea what that cute little green stalk in the lower-left of the photo might be?
<Yes... a green... Neomeris spp., maybe N. annulata>
Also by the way, I bought and am reading "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" and I just ordered your invertebrate book. Excellent!
Tim
<Thank you Tim. BobF>

Re: Identifying very young anemone (Aiptasia?) 3/21/11
>> I'd like to snip a piece off and take a look-see under a scope <<
Bob - Well, if you thought it would keep through the mail, I'd be happy to mail you a piece. Let me know.
<Mmm, do take a quick read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/microscopfaqs.htm>
I do have a decent microscope, but I have no idea what to look for.
Unfortunately, it's an old-fashioned scope with no attached digital camera, so I can't send you a photo. I do want to buy one of those some day. More toys!
<As you'll see the "QX" series of scopes is really affordable... I have/use one.>
Anyhow, you seem fairly confident that it's not Aiptasia, so I'll just let it go. When it gets significantly bigger I'll send another photo, and maybe it will be more clear then.
<If it's akin to some things I've seen like this before, it will stay the same size, perhaps laterally multiply. Not detrimental chemically or physically>
My inexperienced gut tells me that it's a plant, even though it's not green. Just the way all of those tendrils converge to a single holdfast point makes it resemble a plant.
Tim
<Cheers, BobF>
Re: Identifying very young anemone (Aiptasia?) 3/22/11
Bob - Well, you inspired me to buy another toy. :) I did an online search for computer microscopes, and I found one that costs about twice what a QX costs but has much higher digital resolution (the CCD sensor). As my long-suffering wife knows all too well, I tend to solve problems by throwing money at them. Anyhow, when it arrives I'll snip a piece of that mystery thing and try my hand at a photo-micrograph of it, and send it to you.
Tim
<Sounds good. Thank you, BobF>

Request your help to ID algae 1/26/11
Dear WWM:
<Chris>
I've noticed what seems to be some sort of macroalgae growing in different spots on the live rock in my tank. I couldn't find any pictures resembling it on either your site or in Julian Sprung's "Algae" book. I've had Caulerpa taxifolia and Valonia show up a couple times before, and it looks nothing like that. From the attached photo, can you tell me what it is, if it poses any detriment to the tank inhabitants (soft and LPS corals), and if so, the best method of removal?
Chris
<Mmm, is this laminar (flat, blade-like), two-dimensional or more "tubular" in cross section. Appears to be a Codium sp. to me (great common name, "Dead Sailor's Fingers"... can be easily excised close to the point of attachment... but not terribly invasive, fast-growing. Put another way, I'd leave, and enjoy it. Bob Fenner>

Re: Request your help to ID algae 1/26/11
Definitely "tubular" in shape. I searched Codium sp. algae pics online...yes, looks just like that! Thanks so much for your help.
<Glad to assist you, BobF>

Nuisance Microalgae 1/10/11
Hello WWM,
<Adam>
I have been having a rough time with an unknown algae for the good part of a year now, and have done what research I could and have not found any good info on this specific algae, so I am turning to you guys for some advice.
I have a 5 foot 120G, with a 60G fuge and 40G sump in the basement. Run 3 250w MH bulbs, 6.5 hours a day.
<This is a bunch of light, though I'd reduce the intensity, increase the photoperiod>
SG 1.026, temp 78, ca 440, Alk 7 [2 part
dosing], no nitrates or phosphates on my API tests (those I suppose they are there.) Flow from 2 vortechs set a 100%, skimmer octo 200 recirc, and I run a Deltec mce 600. I run BRS carbon, and GFO.
<I would ditch the GFO... your photosynthates need soluble phosphate...>
I run your standard SPS reef tank, SPS grown fine, colour could be better, but no huge issues. I have a medium bioload, 2 clowns, 2 Lyretail, 1 2" hippo tang, 2 mandarins, midas blenny, royal gramma, orchid Dottyback, and a Multibarred angel.
The tank has been up for over 1.5 years now, and this algae has been stifling my liverock for probably a good year now. The algae is brown, definitely photosynthetic, since it wont grow in the shade, will grow in high or low flow, is hard to remove from the rock, and is extremely quick growing.
<I see this in your images... and from your descriptions, this is almost assuredly principally a Cyanobacteria...>
I feed very little to try and keep it in check, a pinch of pellets, or some rinsed Mysis everyday. I also have been dosing vodka for the past 2 months, I am dosing 5ml a day now. I cut back from 10ml a day, because my tank started produce a strong fishy smell. Since the vodka dosing, the Chaeto in my sump stopped growing, and has remained the same size.
<I'd keep the light on this green algae in your sump all the hours the lights are off on the main display>
No snails I have tried will eat it, I syphon it off the rocks when I do a water change and it is back in a couple days, it is impossible to clean it all off. The rock was dry Marco rock seeded with LR. I understand that if I were to control my nitrate and phosphate better it would have to die,
<Not ahead of your photosynthetic livestock, no>
however if I fed any less I do not think my fish would be healthy. I change approximately 30G of water every 2 weeks [Instant Ocean].
<Good>
I do notice that if I do not syphon it off the rock, it will grow until a certain point, turn black, fall off, and start the cycle again.
<Oh yes>
Do I do a three day dark period?
<Not of use here>
I am worried for my corals, though perhaps I shouldn't be. I am not sure what else I can do. Is there some magic animal that will eat it?
<Not likely, no>
I have even brushed the LR with a toothbrush to no avail.
Help please, what is this algae, and what else can I do?
<Is a BGA... a few paths to improve your situation are available... I'd take a few of them simultaneously. For one, look into improving your RedOx... also, I'd make the sump into a DSB w/ fine aragonitic sand...>
Adam
<Please peruse these articles: http://wetwebmedia.com/bluegralgae.htm
and http://wetwebmedia.com/SystemPIX/RedOx/RedoxPPTpres1.htm
and the linked files above. You can "win this battle", with a bit of understanding, application of tried/true technology. Bob Fenner>
Images--
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5169/5341349931_937f60afe0_z.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5129/5341348407_110514b9b2_z.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5049/5341346897_b78b1b4df8_z.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5341345471_8f408bf2a3_z.jpg

Re: Nuisance Microalgae <<RMF>> 1/10/11
Hello WWM,
> <Adam>
> I have been having a rough time with an unknown algae for the good part of a year now, and have done what research I could and have not found any good info on this specific algae, so I am turning to you guys for some
advice.
> I have a 5 foot 120G, with a 60G fuge and 40G sump in the basement. Run 3 250w MH bulbs, 6.5 hours a day.
> <This is a bunch of light, though I'd reduce the intensity, increase the
> photoperiod>
>
-->It a a 3 bulb pendant light, I could turn the middle bulb off for a
while
and see what happens.
<<I would>>
> SG 1.026, temp 78, ca 440, Alk 7 [2 part
> dosing], no nitrates or phosphates on my API tests (those I suppose they
> are
> there.) Flow from 2 vortechs set a 100%, skimmer octo 200 recirc, and I
> run
> a Deltec mce 600. I run BRS carbon, and GFO.
> <I would ditch the GFO... your photosynthates need soluble phosphate...>
--> Done
> I run your standard SPS reef tank, SPS grown fine, colour could be
better,
> but no huge issues. I have a medium bioload, 2 clowns, 2 Lyretail, 1 2"
> hippo tang, 2 mandarins, midas blenny, royal gramma, orchid Dottyback,
and
> a
> Multibarred angel.
> The tank has been up for over 1.5 years now, and this algae has been
> stifling my liverock for probably a good year now. The algae is brown,
> definitely photosynthetic, since it wont grow in the shade, will grow
in
> high or low flow, is hard to remove from the rock, and is extremely
quick
> growing.
> <I see this in your images... and from your descriptions, this is almost
> assuredly principally a Cyanobacteria...>
-->I did have some red Cyano in the beginning, but I have no seen any in a
long while
<<... Please read where you were referred... NOT all BGA are red...>>
> I feed very little to try and keep it in check, a pinch of pellets, or
> some
> rinsed Mysis everyday. I also have been dosing vodka for the past 2
> months,
> I am dosing 5ml a day now. I cut back from 10ml a day, because my tank
> started produce a strong fishy smell. Since the vodka dosing, the Chaeto
> in
> my sump stopped growing, and has remained the same size.
> <I'd keep the light on this green algae in your sump all the hours the
> lights are off on the main display>
--->already on a reverse photoperiod
<<Okay>>
> No snails I have tried will eat it, I syphon it off the rocks when I do
a
> water change and it is back in a couple days, it is impossible to clean
it
> all off. The rock was dry Marco rock seeded with LR. I understand that
if
> I
> were to control my nitrate and phosphate better it would have to die,
> <Not ahead of your photosynthetic livestock, no>
> however if I fed any less I do not think my fish would be healthy. I
> change
> approximately 30G of water every 2 weeks [Instant Ocean].
> <Good>
> I do notice that if I do not syphon it off the rock, it will grow until
a
> certain point, turn black, fall off, and start the cycle again.
> <Oh yes>
> Do I do a three day dark period?
> <Not of use here>
> I am worried for my corals, though perhaps
> I shouldn't be. I am not sure what else I can do. Is there some magic
> animal
> that will eat it?
> <Not likely, no>
> I have even brushed the LR with a toothbrush to no avail.
> Help please, what is this algae, and what else can I do?
> <Is a BGA... a few paths to improve your situation are available... I'd
> take a few of them simultaneously. For one, look into improving your
> RedOx... also, I'd make the sump into a DSB w/ fine aragonitic sand...>
> Adam
-->My ORP is 474 at the moment,
<<Whoa! I would not have it this high>>
I do not think I could get it higher, I
suppose I could buy an ozone producer
-->I Only have a SSB in the display, what Ill do is make a DSB in my 60G
fuge, I think that should be sufficient.
> <Please peruse these articles: http://wetwebmedia.com/bluegralgae.htm
> and http://wetwebmedia.com/SystemPIX/RedOx/RedoxPPTpres1.htm
> and the linked files above. You can "win this battle", with a bit of
> understanding, application of tried/true technology. Bob Fenner>
> Images--
> http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5169/5341349931_937f60afe0_z.jpg
> http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5129/5341348407_110514b9b2_z.jpg
> http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5049/5341346897_b78b1b4df8_z.jpg
> http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5341345471_8f408bf2a3_z.jpg
<<BobF>>

Re: Nuisance Microalgae 1/10/11
Thanks for all the great help.
Adam
<Certainly welcome Adam. BobF>

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