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FAQs on Marine Algae Identification 14
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:
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 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 22, Marine Algae ID 23,
Marine Algae ID 24, Marine Algae ID,
25, & 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, | 
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Please identify 3/16/2007
Good day all:
<Paul>
Can you identify this for me. I noticed it as a tiny protrusion
from the rockwork around four months ago. It has grown at a good
pace. It appears to be some kind of hard tube worm but I have yet
to see anything like it in my reef before.
<Is a green algae...
genus Neomeris...>
Thanks in advance.
Paul
Boynton Bch,
FL
<Mmm, have been diving off your coast... a very nice town
as well. Bob Fenner> | 
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Algae ID 3/16/2007
Hello again, I've had this on your
forum for a while now and cannot seem to get a positive ID. This algae
recently started to "bloom", not completely covering rocks but enough to
get me worried. It seems to prefer the walls of the tank (acrylic) and
sticks to anything that is not smooth (coralline algae, diatom). It is
dark green, thinner than Chaetomorpha, and branches off close to the
point of growth (what I mean is, it branches off slightly higher than
the point of origin). I've had a lot of things going on lately that may
be contributing to this, first of all I have been trying to raise
Berghia nudibranchs in a 10 gallon in my basement.
<Raise these in
small cups... if doing so commercially...>
I have been pulling
rocks from my 90 gallon to feed the Berghia, and in turn am losing 2
filters (my rock and Aiptasia). My water parameters have not changed
since all of this started, ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 2, phosphate 0,
calcium 400, alk 10 DKH, Ph 8.3, temp (has varied) 80-82.5. I should
mention this is accompanied by
Cyanobacteria, not a terrible
outbreak, just there. I really hope you can help me out with an ID so
that I know what I'm dealing with and know how to fix it. I researched
everywhere I can think of and can't find an answer, please help. Thank
you, Ryan. I've tried to copy and paste the image, hopefully it's not
to large.
<Need to get/use a microscope... to determine if this is
indeed a thallophyte or an embryophyte... Might be an algae or a
true/vascular plant... Does it have obvious organelles? BobF> |
Re: Algae ID – 03/18/07
Thanks for the reply, we just keep
running into each other. After finding out what organelles are I
did the best with what I had to answer the question. I used a
magnifying glass and a flashlight, which let me see into the
algae/plant and it does appear to have organelles. Unfortunately I
do not have or have access to a microscope, but maybe the fact that
it has organelles can help with an ID. Thanks again, Ryan.
<Is
likely a vascular/true plant then... Do read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marinvind1.htm
The second to last
tray... We really need a consummate piece on algal and embryophyte
Id...
The Id FAQs files, and bits on True marine plants. Bob
Fenner> | 
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Padina SP and the Brown Fuzz - 03/06/07
Well, the hair algae
died !!!! Can I Get A WOOHOO. It had me worried. You were likely right
on the phosphates Bob... they were zero because the hair was consuming
them. I purchased a poly filter and a few days later it was all but
gone.
<Congrats>
I know I had at least 4 small fish die that I
couldn't find to pull out so I assume that was the source.
<Ah,
likely so>
Anyhow to the point.
Early on in my 1st email to you
guys, you identified Padina SP for me since I couldn't locate it in the
coral section (duh). I have a follow up question, as it appears to be
spreading pretty good.
Is the furry brown algae that grows up tight
and around it, part of it, or is this some other monster I am going to
have to deal with.
Dan
<Is another algae type... likely a BGA...
it too should go with time (try adding a bit more iodine supplement...).
Nice patch of Ulva! BobF> |  
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Green algae problem... looks green... BGA... but too palatable to be
so 2/28/07
Greetings,
<Howdy>
I currently have a
problem with green algae. I'm not really sure what it is. It is
approximately 4cm in height, single stranded, bright green, flows in the
current and is not easily removed by hand. I'm pretty sure from looking
at the photos on your site that it isn't BGA.
<I wouldn't be so
sure... do you have a microscope?>
The algae is covering my glass,
substrate and rock. My tank is a 100 gallon tank with (2) 54 watt T5's
(10000 and a 460 blue), 150lbs live rock, 100lbs CaribSea aragonite, 2
maxi-jet (230 gph), Magnum Deluxe Pro (for my carbon 350gph), Remora Pro
Skimmer (mag 3, 300gph). The tank has been up for only 3 months. I
currently have a lawnmower blenny, 25 scarlet reef crabs, 5 blue-legged
hermit crabs and a chocolate chip starfish. The lawnmower blenny and
crabs love the algae but can't keep up.
<Oh! This is a good clue...
They would not likely eat it period if it were Cyanobacterial>
My
water tests show salinity 1.023, ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 0, phos
0, calcium 380, temp 77.8, alk 8 dKH, and ph 8.3. I'm running a RO with
add on DI unit with a house water softener. I cut the light hours down
to 6 per day. Is my lighting to much for a 100 gallon FOWLR tank?
<Mmm, nope>
I can't see any other reason for the growth besides the
lighting since all of my water tests are good.
<"Because it can"...
a lack of competitors, paucity of predators... and your nutrient
readings are likely low... because the algae is rapidly taking up what
is available>
The only thing I'm currently feeding the tank is a
little meat for the CC starfish, which he eats all of everyone else is
eating algae. Any help or algae identification is appreciated.
Thanks,
Jayson
<Mmm, not able to ID over the Net... w/o "very"
close up (microscopic) pix, showing a lack of nuclei, organelles... But,
do know what avenues to consider in control here... Please read:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/algaeconMar.htm
and the linked files
above... A refugium, DSB, RDP lighted macroalgae... BobF> |  
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Livestock question ID Suspect Caulerpa taxifolia no Photo 2/20/07
Hello crew
<Hello again Wayne! Mich here.>
Had a quick question
on the Caulerpa that's exploded in my refugium. Pic attached.
<I
don't know why, but I can't see the picture. The webmail is showing
there is an attachment and the size is 80 kb, which seems
appropriate. However, I'm not seeing an attachment or a photo, I'm not
sure what the source of the problem, but other crew members are also
unable to view any photo/attachment.> <<I couldn't either... RMF...
troubles with our webmail server... which are hopefully being
corrected>>
I've tried to only keep Chaetomorpha because I didn't
like to risk of spreading Caulerpa into my display.
<Wise in my
opinion.>
Is this Caulerpa taxifolia? If yes, is there risk of this
spreading into my display? In your opinion should I keep or trash?
<If there is a possibility that it is Caulerpa taxifolia, I would remove
it. The Caulerpa species as a whole can be quite noxious and
aggressive. Once established, it can be quite difficult to remove. I
would not take the risk especially as you already have the more
desirable Chaetomorpha.>
If not Taxifolia, please help me ID. Is
it a keeper?
<Sorry. I can't help you here without a photo.>
Thanks for your help!
<Anytime, -Mich>
Wayne |
Re: Livestock question ID Suspect Caulerpa taxifolia no Photo
2/20/07
Thanks Mich
<You're quite welcome.>
Don't
worry about the pic...I removed the suspected C taxifolia. After
doing more research I figured better safe than sorry.
<I think
you are wise here my friend.>
Thanks again.
<Always a
pleasure. -Mich>
Wayne |
Mysterious Green Algae... BGAs - 02/17/2007
Hello
<Hello there... next time... images/files no larger than a few
hundred Kbytes... you've crashed our server... sigh... Does anyone
read instructions?>
I have had this green hair like algae before
and it rapidly overtook the entire tank on all the surfaces except
the glass. Only after extreme measures of basically starting over
from scratch was I able to remove it. There is also a pick of a
reddish algae growing on the feelers of the crabs that has started
to grow recently.
<These are all blue-greens, Cyanobacteria...
see WWM re nutrient limitation, competition, other stated means for
control. Bob Fenner> |
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Re: Mysterious Green Algae - 02/17/2007
Hello
And my
apologies for the image size I forgot to check that before firing
off that email. Thank you for your help on identifying the issue! :)
Jeremy
<Ahh, thank you for coming forward, explaining. BobF> |
Gold algae plague driving me mad – 03/17/07
Dear
WWM-crew,
<<Goede dag, Arno>>
Some 2+ years ago I started a
coral propagation system under light circumstances I've never tried
before.
<<Really?...ok>>
The system consists of 3 tank
layers and a sump. Total volume: app. 1000 liters,
Water
circulation: app. 5000 l/h in the system.
<<Hmm…a bit more water
flow would likely be of benefit>>
Each layer has some 4000-7000
l/h extra.
<<Ahh, okay…very good>>
Skimmer: Bubble King 300
(oversized in view of enlarging the system).
<<Very nice>>
Life rock: app 100 kg.s. Fish: 10 small fish, normally fed.
<<And a beneficial nutrient source for your corals…>>
Proper
cooling (never higher than 27 C)
<<Excellent>>
Illumination:
-2 years: sunlight through roof and doors
-upper tank: 2x MH
150W- no gold algae
-2nd/3rd tank: each 8x T5 39W- many gold
algae
<<Mmm…since these are “stacked” tanks, it would seem to
suggest your problem may be attributable in part to “inadequate”
lighting intensity>>
-sump: no illumination
Since 4 months
no more sunlight through the roof. Nevertheless the algae keep
coming back and damage the corals severely.
<<A problem indeed>>
For a good understanding:
To the eye gold algae look similar to
certain dinoflagellates, but under a microscope the latter move and
gold algae don't.
<<Hmm…looking at the photos you supplied, I
think what you have here is a blue-green alga…aka – Cyanobacteria>>
Countermeasures:
-removing the algae regularly...
<<Do
siphon carefully as it can easily be spread through the system when
disturbed>>
-less daylight.
<<But not to the detriment of
the corals>>
-previously regular 10% water changes; later hardly
any as it seemed to stimulate growth.
<<Indeed, I have noted
this phenomenon before myself>>
-no longer additives of
trace-elements.
<<Ok>>
-higher Ca, KH and pH
<<A good
move>>
-careful daily dosing of hydrogen peroxide
<<Is a
powerful sanitizer/oxidizer…with “careful” being the operative
word>>
Attached you'll find some (microscope) photographs to get
a good visional idea.
It's driving me mad!
Does anyone have
other smart ideas? I'd be very grateful!
<<Well Arno, as stated
I believe you have a form of Cyanobacteria. These can be VERY
difficult to eradicate as they seem to have the nasty ability to
produce their own nutrients. Very strong water flow seems to help,
as does boosting alkalinity and pH as you have begun to do. I think
you do need to continue water changes as well, but consider doing a
20%-25% change every 4-5 weeks with “well aged” saltwater. I would
even add a cup or two of system water to this change water a week
before use to get some microbial activity going. And definitely
have a read here (and among the many links at the top of the page)
for more ideas re controlling this troublesome organism: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/bluegralgae.htm
>> <I agree with your ID Eric. RMF>
Thanks,
gr's
Arno
The Netherlands
<<A pleasure to assist. Eric Russell, South
Carolina, USA…and who also lived for three years in a small village
just outside Amersfoort in the Netherlands…about three decades ago
now…>> |
Re: Gold Algae Plague Driving Me Mad – 03/19/07
Hi Eric,
<<Greetings Arno>>
Thanks for your quick re.
<<Quite
welcome>>
As for the algae/Cyanobacteria:
So far all the
Cyanobacteria I viewed microscopically looked long-stretched,
like clusters of short threads... (just like the pics on:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/bluegralgae.htm).
The ones I
sent you pictures of, do not cluster and are rather round/oval.
I compared them to other microscope pic's of dinoflagellates and
gold algae and they look astonishingly similar. So I'm still
somewhat doubtful if you are right about it being Cyanobacteria.
<<Well Arno I am certainly no expert on Cyanobacteria, but I do
believe there are many strains of such “blue-green” alga. What
tips me in this direction is mainly the appearance of the algae
as it covers and smothers your corals (as in one of the pics you
sent). The “slimy” appearance/texture and embedded/escaping gas
bubbles are classic signs of Cyanobacteria>>
What do mean by
"inadequate" lighting intensity? The problem tanks have a water
column of only 25 cm and are illuminated by 8 T5-tubes of 39 W.
Thus establishing some 1.65 watts/litre.
<<Understood...but
even so, this is no where near as intense as a pair of 150w
metal halide fixtures like you have over the un-infected
tank. Thus, I am suggesting this strain of alga may be
inhibited by very high light intensity>>
What do you mean by
"well aged saltwater"? Older water from another aq.system (I
have plenty of that) or freshly made water well aerated for
several days?
<<The latter...though I prefer to “age”
freshly made saltwater for a couple weeks to ensure all chemical
processes are completed and to render the water less “harsh”>>
All that's mentioned in
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/bluegralgae.htm was already known
to me and it does not give me any handle...
<<I
see... Perhaps reading among the associated links will render a
clue>>
The only thing I can think of and which I haven't
tried yet, is increasing the amount of live rock, thus
'disturbing' the balance. What do you think?
<<This may
prove helpful, especially if you can introduce/maintain enough
biota to “out compete” the algae for its nutrients. You might
also consider changing brands of salt mix. Perhaps something in
your mix is “feeding” the problem. And I do think increasing
light intensity on the affected tanks is worth a try, if
possible>>
Groetjes,
Arno
<<Be chatting, Eric
Russell>> |   |
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