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FAQs about Red Algae/Rhodophyte Compatibility & Control Related Articles: Red Algae in General, Coralline
Marine Algae, Avoiding
Algae Problems in Marine System,
Algae Control, Marine
Maintenance, 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, Algae as Food,
Related FAQs: Red Algae 1,
Red Algae 2, Red
Algae 3, Red
Algae in General,
Red Algae 2, Red
Algae 3, Red Algae Identification,
Red Algae Behavior,
Red Algae Selection,
Red Algae Systems,
Red
Algae Nutrition, Red Algae Disease,
Red Algae
Reproduction/Propagation,
Coralline Algae,
Marine Macro-Algae, Use in
Aquariums, Algae as Food, Marine Algae ID 1, Marine
Algae ID 2, Marine Algae Control FAQs II,
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 help me beat this red
algae nightmare!!! 5/4/08
I spend way too much time surfing your site and have found lots of
useful information. But, I still am having trouble and hope you can
help.
<Will try>
I have had a reef setup - or at least that is the goal- up and running
for 2 years, but have not been able to rid my tank of this red nuisance
algae since it arrived with the live rock. (Please reference the
attached photos).
<I see this>
I have searched every site I can find on the net to identify it, but no
luck. It looks like a red fern; it has numerous small branches making
offshoots of a primary branch and each "plant" appears to have 10+
branches.
<Is a Rhodophyte... but need a closer-up, better-resolved image to tell
more>
It starts out a deep magenta and changes to a light pink over time. It
really is quite attractive when there is only a little patch. However,
it has taken over the tank!
This is the setup:
· 75 gallon tank with 75 gallon package from Tampa Bay Saltwater (live
rock, live sand, brittle star, sea cucumber, blue leg hermits, Astrea
snails, unwanted gorilla crabs still lurking in some crevices, lots of
purple porcelain crabs)
· 2 Koralia 4 power heads for water movement in the main tank
· 2 Maxijet 600s for water movement in the main tank
· 4 VHO bulbs in main - two actinic blue and two actinic white
· under tank CPR sump. I know now it isn't the best choice based on
information on your site, but it seemed like a good option at the time.
with main pump that is pumping at the max flow rate for the system - to
the point that the overflow can only maintain pace with the pump, so I
am not sure how many GPH. The sump also has a 2" sand bed
<I'd increase this to about four inches... For a few helpful reasons.
See here: http://wetwebmedia.com/dsbratuse.htm
and the linked files above... and add some Gracilaria, Chaetomorpha...
to the same area... with a light on during the hours your main/display
is in darkness... See WWM re these algal genera, the rationale for their
use...>
and a few pieces of live rock - added to see if they would help. but
didn't
· protein skimmer included with the CPR sump with Maxijet 1200 pump
· CoraLife power compact fluorescents in sump that run off cycle of the
main tank
<Oh! Good>
· Chaeto mass (not really a ball and have not been able to get it to
tumble) in sump
<Oh! I see you have this already>
· Use RO/DI water for top off/water changes
· Instant Ocean salt
· two Ocellaris clown fish
· royal Gramma
· coral beauty
· two Banggai cardinal fish
· yellow tang
· two Mexican turbo snails (started with 5)
· sand sifting snails (not sure which varieties and probably about 7
total left)
· two peppermint shrimp
· purple long tentacle anemone
· flower anemone
· pulsing xenia
· open brain coral
· coral that was attached to the live rock when purchased
· various pink, gray, white sponges that were growing on live rock
· mushrooms
· Zoanthids
· hammer coral
· 1 lone yellow polyp
The live rock came with a small amount of this algae which we decided to
keep at the time, since everything I read indicated macro algae is great
for a system. If only we had removed it then!!! This is the history of
what we have done to try to get rid of it, I know it is quite lengthy,
but wanted to let you know what we have tried. Our efforts are based off
of numerous searches on your site, on other reef keeping sites, and
recommendations from, what we consider a reliable, saltwater fish store.
The tank cycled without problem and we had a normal outbreak of green
hair algae to begin with. We used the toothbrush-siphon method combined
with 50% water changes and ridded the tank of the algae with relatively
little effort. Evidently, we still have a phosphorous/nutrient source
because the red algae has grown out of control since a few weeks after
removing the green hair algae.
We have tried to prune and remove as much of the algae as possible.
However, the algae is firmly affixed to the rocks and can't be entirely
removed (even with a toothbrush), breaks in tiny pieces when pulled, and
sprouts from each little piece we can't capture. in other words it
doesn't really help! The algae grows so thickly together that I even
lost a clownfish in one pruning session. I pulled the fish with a
handful of algae and never new it until he didn't reappear. L
Determined we could beat this we started getting smarter on algae
control and tried:
· weekly 30% water changes for 2 months. no change
· raised the salinity level slightly. no change (now at 1.025)
<Is fine>
· decreased the lighting cycle to 8 hours/day. no change
· used Rowaphos - twice. no change
· added GARF Grunge and additional live sand (total of ~4" depth in
display) to promote coralline algae growth. minimal increase, no effect
on nuisance algae
<Is worthless>
· changed all light bulbs. no change
· increased main tank lighting cycle by several hours. no change.
currently at about 14 hours/day in the hopes of "cooking" the red algae,
per your site
· rigged up a much bigger pump for the protein skimmer so it always
produced large quantities of skimmate. no change just a really loud
skimmer
· changed all the filters for the RO/DI unit. no change
· added a Rabbitface Foxfish
<Which species?>
hoping it would eat it, he wasn't interested and become victim to a
power head at his favorite hiding spot. Two lessons learned, don't trust
everything you read, and ALWAYS have a cover on the powerhead intakes.
· per instructions for the bullet proof system at GARF, added Seachem
Calcium and Reef Builder to top off water to encourage coralline algae
growth...slight increase in coralline algae but no decrease in nuisance
algae
<... not of use>
· washed all food - currently only Hikari mysis shrimp and no longer use
any flake food or low quality frozen foods from local pet store. no
change
· reduced feeding to force the herbivores to eat the algae - the would
rather starve and the carnivores take it out on the poor snails
· added Mexican turbo snails in hopes of seeing the mowed down algae
paths others report. they are dying off making dinner for the crabs or
starving from refusing to eat this red stuff
· Changed 2 of the then 4 MaxiJet power heads to Koralia 4s to increase
water movement. no change
· let the tank go without water changes to encourage some equilibrium
and let the sand bed work. no change
I know this sounds like a lot of attempts, but trust that each one was
carried out independent of the next step to ensure we gave the system
time to respond. We can't seem to find anything that makes a difference
with our husbandry techniques or any animal that will eat this stuff.
I have tested the water and the parameters are all within the
specifications listed on your site. I can't detect phosphate but the
more reliable fish store we frequent tested the water and reported
slightly elevated levels of phosphates, but said it wasn't high enough
to cause significant concern or this widespread of an outbreak. They
recommended using Rowaphos and changing RO/DI filters. I don't know what
the phosphate level was, but evidently we still have a phosphate or
nutrient problem we can't control.
In the sump, the Chaeto hardly grows,
<Being suppressed by the Red...>
instead we have red hair and red slime algae growing on the sides of the
sump and a slime coating throughout the Chaeto. The Chaeto also holds a
lot of detritus. I am not sure how to remove this without tossing out
the Chaeto and getting a new ball after a massive water change and tank
clean out.
<Pick it up during water changes, give it a good shake in a tub of
water>
I thought if I can't beat the red stuff, I would use the red nightmare
to my advantage and put it in the sump. it won't grow there!!! I assume
the main tank uses most of the nutrients and what is left is used by the
red slime/hair algae in the sump.
The anemones are doing fine (the clownfish and the Cardinalfish are
hosting in the LTA)
The xenia were growing like mad, but took a hit somewhere in the cycle
of ridding the algae. I was so focused on the algae, I am not sure what
step impacted them.
<Happens>
The zoos are doing fine and have spread to several rocks. The mushrooms
are doing well and spreading, too. The lone yellow polyp (the remaining
transplant from a friend's tank) refuses to grow which I don't
understand since they are supposed to grow like weeds.
<Likely some Cnidarian negative interaction. Likely the
Actinarians/Anemones>
Sponges and corals on the live rock are doing well, too. I have not been
able to get a good growth of coralline algae, it won't grow on the
glass, but does on the plastic overflow and some of the rocks. The
hammer coral won't grow either. (I am hoping the combination of what is
growing well and what won't might give a clue of how to fix things.)
I have tried to clean the sand when I do a water change, but don't have
a good technique for doing this without siphoning out the sand. So, I
stir up the bottom and siphon out the brown cloud. But, like everything
else, it doesn't seem to make a difference.
Currently there are patches of the algae on almost all of the live rock
and on the powerheads. What else can I try, other than tossing out all
the rock and starting over? That is not a financially or time-wise
realistic option at this point. I would rather give away the livestock
and restart again later. I had dreams of a beautiful reef setup with
lots of corals, but I am afraid to put any in the tank until it gets
under control. Please help!!!
Thanks,
Kristina
<I would try another Rabbitfish, Siganus stellatus (of small size, less
than five inches overall length if you can locate one)... and the "Kalk
trick" here... temporarily elevating pH to about 8.6 with successive
administration... to precipitate soluble phosphate (the source, foods,
water, of HPO4 is likely bound up in the Red algae...)... try this three
times (once a week)... and the Siganid... and increasing the DSB depth
in the sump with fine/oolitic substrate. Bob Fenner> |
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Please help
me ID and get rid of this Brown Algae 8/22/07
Hello. I've been trying to id this brown algae in my tank so I can
figure out how to get rid of it, but haven't found any pictures that
look like this algae.
<Mmm... not a brown, but a Red: Peyssonnelia sp. An encrusting Red.
Class Rhodophyceae, Subclass Florideophycidae, Order Gigartinales,
Family Peyssonneliaceae.>
Hoping you
wonderfully knowledgeable reefers can help. :) I have some dark brown
algae growing in circular patterns on my rock. Attached are 3 pictures
of the same algae. What concerns me, is how much it has grown in 6
weeks. I looked at an old picture, and 6 weeks ago, there were a couple
spots on one rock that were about the size of the tip of my pinky
finger, and now they've grown into one spot about 2" in diameter. I
thought this algae wouldn't be removable because it looks fused to the
rock, but with some work, I completely was able to remove one circle
about 1.5" in diameter. Came off in very small pieces. I thought it was
slimy, but when I started pulling off pieces, it actually looks and
feels like seaweed / kelp.
My tank is pretty new....has been up and running for 4 months.
My parameters are good, and I feed once a day and try to only give
enough food that the fish can consume within 5 minutes. I use RO/DI
water (Spectrapure MaxCap) with 0 TDS, and faithfully do bi-weekly water
changes (10%). The sand bed looks good. It's just some good size patches
of brown algae on the rock. No hair algae or any other type of nuisance
algae. I had a small spot of bubble algae and turned the lights off for
3 days about a month ago and it disappeared and hasn't come back, but
turning off the lights didn't do anything with this algae. Any idea what
this algae is and what is the best option to get rid of it?
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/redalgcompfaqs.htm
and the linked files above>
If I work on pulling it out manually, or using a toothbrush, will little
pieces of it that might not make it to the skimmer, create an even
bigger problem by spreading it around the tank?
<Maybe...>
Just FYI.... I recently added a second power-head to add some flow. (25x
turnover now). I run my T5's for 10 hours a day, and the 150w MH only
runs for 4 hours a day (only softies right now). All bulbs are only 4
months old.
My parameters:
Nitrates, Nitrites and Ammonia are all 0.
Phosphates are .1
PH 8.1
Alk 2.9
Temp 82 going up close to 84 when MH's are lit
Calcium 330
5 small fish in a 53 gallon tank. (2 small Perculas, 1 Purple Firefish,
1 Pygmy Possum Wrasse and 1 Tailspot Blenny)
Thanks!
Pam
<Mmm, a few possible approaches here... Nutrient limitation... the
growing of competitive species... Greens likely... Read on. Bob Fenner>
Re: Please help me ID
and get rid of this Brown Algae 8/23/07
Thank you Bob. I'll start going through the links on the page you
sent me. It looks more brown to me, than red,
<Perhaps the photo itself has some artifactual color influence here>
in person...but I know in the photos I sent, it definitely looks deep
red. Any chance this could be Lobophora?
<Mmmm, not much...>
It's not lifting up at the edges at all, but maybe it hasn't gotten to
that stage yet?
<Bingo...>
If it's definitely a red algae, any way that's best to remove it, or is
manual removal the best option?
Thanks,
Pam....also an avid diver! :)
<Actually, I'd enjoy it... likely increasing light intensity alone would
disfavor either a Red or Brown/Phaeophyte, over a Green... Bob Fenner>
Re: Please help me ID
and get rid of this Brown Algae 8/24/07
Hey Bob. Thanks again for the quick response. Hmmm...hadn't thought
about increasing light intensity. I thought the opposite, that algae
would grow more, with more light.
<Mmmm, think about how the various Divisions (the botanical equivalent
of zoological taxonomies Phyla) are semi-arranged... with some
found/predominating more/less bright et al. environs...>
Right now, my four 24w T5's are lit 10 hours a day, and one 150w MH's is
only lit for 4 hours a day (all softies and LPS in my tank right now).
What would you suggest slowly increasing the hours my MH is lit and
would you increase it by an hour a day, an hour a week??
<I'd try a few more hours per day... increase to perhaps 8,9...>
I don't find the looks of this algae very appealing, and if it didn't
spread, I'd be fine, but seeing how much it has spread in 6 weeks,
scares me. I'd much rather see more coralline on the rock than this ugly
algae. I do have one red macroalgae that popped up on it's own that I
love. Looks like red lettuce or something. Really cool looking. I see
one sprout beginning elsewhere too. Just curious.... what made you rule
out
Lobophora ?
<A few things... one is that this and most browns don't do well in
captive systems unless they are administered iodine/ide/ate... in
quantity, regularly... Another, that it does not look "soft" as this
genus almost always appear in aquariums... and lastly, the very
distinctive "ring-like" growth of Peyssonnelia...>
I know you're an expert reefer....
<Oh... I can be wrong... am almost a few times daily...>
so I completely trust your judgment.
<Mmm, please, don't>
Lobophora was just the closest thing I could find to what I have. Had no
idea if it was actually that or something else.
Thanks again.
Pam
<Can be determined pretty easily twixt being a Phaeophyte or a
Rhodophyte... do you have access to a simple microscope and simple
chemical tools? Bob Fenner>
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Spreading red bubble algae! At my wits end!
4/15/07
I am currently struggling with red bubble algae in my 14 gallon
BioCube. My tank is 6 1/2 months old. I have been battling this red
bubble algae for the last two months. It is spreading and getting worse,
as you will see in the attached photos.
<Can see this... does look like a Botryocladia infestation... of epic
proportions>
It started off with what looked like red/burgundy or even blood
spattered looking stuff over the top of one of my rocks. Then it turned
into red bubbles. Hard, solid bubbles. Now it has spread to the next
rock. I was told not to pop any of the bubbles because it will release
spores into my tank and cause it to spread more. I was told not to
remove the rocks and scrub it off and then rinse and return the rock to
my tank because it will continue to come back. I was told that putting a
small Foxface in my tank will take care of the problem,
<Mmm, not likely>
but as soon as I took the Foxface out after it ate all the bubble algae,
it would come right back. I cannot even think about this option because
my tank is too small for a Foxface, and I already have 3 small fish in
my tank that I am quite attached to. I was then told that my only option
would be to totally tear my tank down; siphon all water, remove the
sand, rocks, etc... and start all over again with everything new, after
scrubbing my tank and equipment clean. Is this the only way to get rid
of the red bubble algae?
<Mmm, no... there are a few other approaches worth considering>
I am very frustrated with it at this point and it breaks my heart if I
have to start all over again. What do I do with my current tank
inhabitants and corals?
<Mmm, depends...>
My tank inhabitants are a percula, sixline wrasse, midas blenny, fire
shrimp, 10 tiny blue legged hermits, pom pom crab, 4 Astrea snails, 2
Nassarius snails, and electric blue legged hermit crab. Coral-wise, I
have a pagoda cup, star polyps, button polyps/zoos, mushrooms, finger
leather, xenia and Octobubble coral. What causes this bubble algae
<Like crimes... access, motive...>
and if I have to break everything down and start all over again, how do
I make sure that it doesn't come back? Also, how harmful is it if
"nothing" is done?
<Might cause a collapse... cascade event if something becomes rate
limiting...>
I do 20% water changes every other Saturday using Nutri-Seawater, I top
off using RO/DI water. My parameters have all been consistent for the
last 4 months. Temp: 80.9, Ammonia: 0, PH: 8.2, Nitrite: 0, Nitrate: 0,
Calcium: 450, Salinity: 0.126. I feed my fish twice a day during the
week with frozen brine, mysis, emerald entree, marine cuisine, (mixing
it up from day to day) and on the weekends, I just feed once a day. I
have my lights on a timer; actinics on from 7am-6pm, regular lights on
from 8am-5pm, and then the moonlights on from 6pm-7am. Is there anything
that I can do/try before having to tear down my whole tank?
<All sorts...>
I was told to send you an e-mail because if anyone would be able to
properly advise me and help, it would be you. I am looking forward to
your response.
Thanks,
Kim
P.S. The first pic shows what the bubble algae looked like 2 months ago,
the second and third, from 1 month ago, and then the rest are from
today.
<Mmm, there are a few places I would read before settling on a course of
trials, changes here...
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-02/hcj/feature/index.php
and:
http://wetwebmedia.com/redalgcompfaqs.htm
and the linked files above, where you lead yourself... A multiple
"front" approach is advised... nutrient limitation, macrophyte
competition... perhaps adding a purposeful refugium, DSB... Bob Fenner>
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Red algae herbivore? 3/7/07
I have an outbreak of a red algae and I'd like to know what would
eat it. I think the algae is Hypnea ramentacea
and I've tried an urchin and a Zebrasoma scopas but neither seem
interested. Should I get another type of tang (maybe Bristletooth) or a
Rabbitfish.
Cheers
Gavin
<Worth trying... though... if it were me/mine, I'd harvest and sell this
as an ornamental! Bob Fenner> |
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Re: Red algae herbivore? 3/8/07
All attempts at manually harvesting it just spread it more. As you
tear it off the rocks, small pieces are blown around the tank and
establish where they land.
<Ah, yes... been here... maddening>
I don't think I can ever eradicate it so I need a method of control. As
per some other responses on your site I will reduce nutrient input,
increase water changes and get another herbivore. I have read that a
type of Hypnea has become a pest in Hawaii and studies indicated a type
of Siganus and sea turtles eat it. So if I can't find a sea turtle :)
<Heeee!>
I may have to settle for a Rabbitfish.
<Maybe a Siganid...>
Do you think that growing a faster algae in the sump would out-compete
it and slow it's growth?
<Yes... often a useful technique>
If so, what would be a suitable species, Chaetomorpha?
<A good choice... this and the genus Gracilaria>
Cheers
Gavin
<And please do read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/redalgcompfaqs.htm
and consider the ever-more popular seaslugs... Aplysiids... that might
well gobble all in quite a short while. Bob Fenner> |
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Re: Red Algae.. Nuisance Or Not 2/12/07
James,
<Andrew>
Thank you for the reply and sorry about the image size. I resized it
and is now 255 kb. Hopefully that will fit your server limit and show
enough
detail for my question.
<Thank you for this.>
Again, I appreciate the response and look forward to any help you might
give me.
Andrew
On 2/9/07, crew
<crew@mail.wetwebmedia.com> wrote:
Thank you for contacting us at WetWebMedia.com> Your reply is below
Red Algae. Nuisance Or Not 2/9/07
Hello guys, not sure who I am going to get but thank you for taking my
question!
<Andrew, please downsize the photo and resend, much too large a file for
our server, a few hundred kb will do. James (Salty Dog)>
I have had my 75g reef tank set up for a little over three years now. I
have unknowingly been sitting with a lot of phosphates in the water for
an undetermined amount of time and have felt the hurt of my tank not
flourishing as well as it should. I am now attacking the problem with
R.O. water changes/ top off and PhosBan to remove the existing
phosphates. I know it is a long time to finally figure this problem out
but better late than before it was too late...
<Yes indeed.>
Along with a couple issues, I have had a recent growth in an
undetermined (what I believe to be) algae. At first I thought it was
red bubble algae but the pictures I have found don't match. I also
checked the forums here and did not find a match. I did see a picture I
thought could have been a match but it was not clear enough for you guys
to ID it. I have attached a picture of this unknown, I hope it is
clear enough to ID.
If this is a "bad" algae, what can I do to rid my tank of it? Are there
any inverts that would like to feast upon this algae? Would the
stabilizing of my water conditions eventually kill these off? Do I
need to meticulously pick every last one off? Is this a positive
addition to the reef?
Any help would be greatly appreciated and again, I thank you for taking
my question. Keep up the great work, I should have come here a long
time ago to make sure I started in the right direction!
PS- Tank specifications are as follow:
75g Oceanic Reef Ready
20g Sump (Bio Balls) with Rio 3100 (1 water exhaust with splitter)<--
<With live rock, you can safely remove the bio balls, but remove 25%
weekly so as to give the bacteria growing on the rock time to adjust.>
Another e-mail to > follow soon regarding this
Nautilus PS (in sump)
JBJ PC hood (4x65w; 2 dual 10K, 2 dual Blue 03)
~70 lbs live rock
~20 lbs live sand (2 inches)
<Without sand stirring critters, I'd have no more than one inch depth, a
good place to start a nitrate factory.>
Mated pair of Clarkii clowns (2 years)
Pink Goby (1 month)
Bicolor Blenny (3 months)
Candy Hogfish (removing this week; destroyed organisms on live rock. Bad
advice form LFS)
Eibli Angel (removing this week; destroyed organisms on live rock. Bad
advice form LFS)
Cleaner shrimp (2 years)
Bubbletip Anemone (2.5 years)
Kenya Tree Coral (1 month)
Colt Coral (2 months)
Andrew
<Andrew, forgot to mention that your red algae is perfectly safe in your
tank. Too many things on my mind at the moment...sorry.> |
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Re: Red Algae.. Nuisance Or Not 2/13/07
James,
<Andrew>
Thank you for your response. I appreciate the info regarding the live sand
and the bio balls.
<You're welcome.>
Looks like I have my weekend project set for the next few weeks.
<Can be fun.>
I am still not too sure what the probable algae is. Where you able to ID
it?
<No, didn't try. Thinking it may be Laurencia nidifica or a very similar
species. Do Google, I'm sure you will find.>
If not, what would you recommend I do with it?
<Keep it, very attractive, nice contrasting color for the tank. These type
algae are generally not long lived in the home aquarium (personal opinion),
so enjoy.>
Thank you again for the advice.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Andrew
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Red Turf Algae in my overflow box...acting as a nutrient
scrubber? 1/29/07
Dear Crew,
<Russell>
Yet another red turf algae question... A few weeks ago I noticed a thick carpet
of red turf algae (after searching your website, possibly Polysiphonia) growing
in my overflow box, but barely any in my tank. I thought to myself, "Hey...I
have the answer to this!" So I covered the overflow box with a piece of dark
Tupperware (high tech) and sure enough, in a week or so it was dead.
<Good going>
Then, to my surprise, it started popping out all over my tank in tight little
bunches. Great stuff this algae. Not so much an invasion, but just numerous
little tufts on the sharp edges of rock.
I've tried not to take it personally.
<Heeee! Good attitude>
My tank parameters are pristine, although I suppose dKH is a little low at
7-8... but I've recently backed off dosing 2-part additive. I was going crazy
with B-Ionic and the like, chasing numbers and turning my sump into a pile of
concrete. Now, I'm just going for water changes instead, 10% per week.
<Good>
My skimmer is doing great and I have a well maintained RO/DI system. I have a
Chaeto refugium. I've done a couple of 20% plus water changes with maybe
positive results. Also, scrubbing it off with a brush seems to be keeping it
mostly in check.
Questions:
When I starved it of "sunshine" did it seek revenge by releasing spores?
<Likely so>
Or was it possible the red algae lining of my overflow box actually been acting
as a nutrient scrubber?
<This too>
It must have been growing there for some time.
Besides water changes, super-skimming, not over-feeding (I have a low biomass, 3
fish and a half dozen corals... softies, polyps, LPS) and perhaps bumping the
dKH a little, any other suggestions for keeping this algae at bay?
<Mmm, do you have room, desire to add another organism? I'd try a genus
Ctenochaetus tang... or a Salarias, Atrosalarias Blenny if they'll get along
with what you currently have>
I've considered allowing it to grow back in my overflow box.
Could I possibly have too much light over my 75 gallon tank?
(2x250watts of 20K MH light 6 hours midday, 2x220watts 20K VHO 3hrs morning,
3hrs late afternoon)?
Thanks,
Russell in KY
<Mmm, no... not IMO... I'd do about as you have thus far... and consider adding
a/the purposeful algae eater. Cheers, Bob Fenner>
Growing Macro Algae 1/24/07
Morning Crew :)
<Good morning Lisa.>
We picked up this piece of live rock a couple of days ago because the
LFS said they wouldn't/couldn't separate the anemone from the rock.
It's having no problem relocating itself.
<Is the way to go.>
Anyway, the clown hasn't gone back to it's anemone (the shine a light
suggestion didn't work)
<Give it time, right now the clown is adjusting to new quarters.>
but the rock is covered with this red macroalgae.
<Unfortunately, I cannot open the file. Just appears as a square with a
red x
(Bob, am I missing some software here to open this?)> <<Right click
James... see the "Show Picture" line? Left click it. RMF>>
It seems to be lightening up a little from when we first got it. It's
in a 90 gal bowfront and I'm wondering if it's too far from the lights?
Lights are Dual Daylight 6,700k/ 10,000k Dual Actinic 420nm/460nm Lunar
Light Moon White Independent Control No Fans.
<Stating the wattage of the tubes is important here>
Water parameters are all excellent, SG is 1.025. Running a phosphate
reactor, protein skimmer in sump with refugium.
<If growing macro is your desire, I'd shut down the phosphate
reactor. Macro
algae thrive on phosphorous and nitrogen.>
Does this beautiful red algae need to be placed higher in the tank or
will it be okay where it is?
<If you have about 4 to 5 watts of light per gallon, the algae should
thrive. If not, try relocating to the upper third of the tank.
Try sending the pic a different way, like through Kodak software or
similar program.
There are some types of macro that do not fair well under aquarium
conditions.>
Thanks,
<Your welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Lisa Hupman |
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Unexpected Affinity for Botryocladia 12/14/06
Dear Wet Web Media
<Hello there, Mich with you tonight.>
I love your site and consult it often, thank you for all your work.
<Thank you for your kind words. Glad you find the site helpful.>
I recently moved and when I did I upgraded from a 55gal to a 180gal tank.
<Very nice!>
I gave away all of my fish and inverts when I moved and started over with the
new tank pretty much form scratch except for some live rock.
<OK>
So I bought about 100 lbs more live rock and cycled the tank. Its now been
about six months and I've begun to add a few things. My question comes because
I've run into an issue with my stocking plan. I was hoping to have a Kole Tang
and some type of Dwarf Angel in the tank at some point however an unexpected
thing came with the new live rock. On several of the peaces <pieces> red macro
algae began to grow ( I think its Botryocladia sp. form what I found on your
site - long red strands of grape like balls ) Now the problem is that I've
become somewhat attached to the algae after these months and I'm not sure that I
want to introduce a fish that will completely wipe out the algae.
<How nice, an unexpected affection.>
So is it possible that a single Kole Tang could eat all of the algae?
<Hard to tell, but it wouldn't surprise me if he did.>
Or could the algae keep up with the grazing? I always planned on adding clips
of algae for grazing but wasn't sure if fish prefer live food?
<Depends on the fish.>
And also about the Dwarf Angel? Would the Angel graze less?
<Less than a Kole Tang.>
Any help you could give me would be great.
<If you care about this algae, which it sounds like you do, I would try to chip
a piece of rock off with the algae attached. Place it somewhere that the fish
won't have access to it. It could be in the main displace as long as it is well
sheltered (but still getting adequate light and circulation) or you could try to
grow it in another tank, be it your refugium or sump, or possibly share with a
friend.
Thanks again for the great site.
<Nice that you feel it is so. -Mich>
Precision Metal Works
Jonathan Lockard
Botryocladia (red bubble algae) 10/26/06
I bet you have lots of questions like this. I did read the articles but could not come up with a plan for my specific tank. I have a 10 gallon tank, pretty small, live rock and sand are the mainstay. I have a pump, a charcoal filter-mostly for flow and breeding area for little creatures that look like 1/4inch size shrimp, and a air stone. I have mushrooms, 1 type of polyps and a portion of a frogspawn coral. Everything was happy for years. Then somewhere I developed this red bubble algae, not to big of a problem I actually thought it
was pretty as it had almost a gold luminance. Now it is so out of hand! It is growing on the small encrustations that grow in the tank, these are small about 1/4 inch also. They just came along. The only creatures in the tank are those small things I mentioned, some bristle worms that came with the live
rock. The problem is that the red bubble algae is now trying to grow on the frogspawn stalk and the polyps. I need help in controlling how much of this grows. I did leave an area for this to grow so that whatever nutrients it was
taking in would be used up however that did not work. It is extremely hard to
remove without breaking the sacs open or replanting these. Also difficult to
remove from the rock with the polyps. I did not know if I should try a fish,
or emerald crabs or what and that is what I am asking.
<Mmm, maybe...>
I do have a 75 gallon
saltwater tank without any bubble algae hair algae, much easier to pull out),
this tank has also been up and running reef tank with only 1 fish, a pretty
blue and yellow damsel. That tank has the original frogspawn, xenia which
likes to live everywhere), open brain coral, slipper. All the parameters of
both
tanks are where you'd want them, as is the lighting and temps. I cannot
afford RO water so use tap. hence the hair algae)
Any idea how to save the polyps on the rocks of the 10 gallon tank with the red bubble algae, I am fairly sure it is of the: Botryocladia (red bubble
algae) species.
<A few possibilities... Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/redalgcompfaqs.htm>
Sue
<No mention of nutrient levels... or alkalinity, biomineral content... I would
use water from the main tank, re-new/replace the LS, LR... Bob Fenner>
Re: Botryocladia (red bubble algae) - 11/02/06
Before I sent my question to you regarding the red algae I did read all
I could find using the search engine on WWM, that is how I found out what the algae was. I have also read WWM many many times over the past 6 years that
I have had both reef tanks, I have found the questions and answers informative
and helpful. However, when I feel the tank is crashing and I cannot locate
the information that pertains specifically to the situation I am in or perhaps
I just do not realize that answer would apply to my case too I have written in
the past. Generally every one answering was so nice, helpful and things
worked out.
<Good>
What I eventually did after reading 3 articles on red algae was take all the
rocks out into another container w/water from the 75 gallon tank, scrape off and remove the algae by hand, added a green emerald crab, 3 margarita snails
and 7 zebra snails.
<Good moves>
Hopefully, they will be able to eat the young algae as it forms preventing
another out break. I then used water for a small water change and added water
from the 75 gallon tank. While I probably have room for other creatures I have
been reluctant to get any as it is such a small tank, the LFS were not
encouraging this size tank as they can quickly develop problems. But, I would
end up with the odd mushroom or polyp or frogspawn and put those parts into
this tank and they just took off doing so well. The mushrooms and frogspawn
took a beating having to do this. Hopefully, they will have some resilience and
perk back up. The polyps seem to be lost and I do not know
what will come of them. I would not have sent an email requesting information
on what to do unless I searched and researched not just the WWW but Reef
Central and other online to feel I could not find the information. I am not
sure I have enough of the cleaner crew but the LFS did not want to sell more
for 10 gallon tank. and have had to send email to WWM crew in the past.
Hopefully this will correct the situation. AND, hopefully my mushrooms will
live, the frogspawn is doing well and the polyps return.
Thank you,
Sue
<Please do keep me/us apprised. Bob Fenner>
Making Ogo Go-Go! 8/11/06
Just a quickie: Is there ANYTHING that will eat Gracilaria textorii?
<Umm....500,000,000 Tangs! LOL>
The dilemma? It's a 24 gallon; LPS, and zoos.
<Ahh...the problem.>
All my fellow reefers are out of ideas. Pygmy angel too big for 24 gallon. I am
out of ideas and ripping the stuff out constantly does not help.
<Although my personal experience is with G. parvispora. I'll make the assumption
(gulp) that its palatability is similar to other species. What that all means is
that you are really limited to Tangs, Rabbitfishes and possibly, other harsh
grazers (maybe Urchins)! Which of these would live comfortably in a 24 gallon
tank? Probably none of them. My thinking is that you might need to "rent out"
your rocks covered in the algae to friends with Tangs in appropriate-sized
tanks. The other thought would be to remove the other photosynthetic life in
your tank and go without light for several days. Perhaps this might knock off
some of the macroalgae. On the other hand, if you do use this technique, you'll
need to keep water quality high as the algae die off.>
My tang worked wonders when it was a 220 gallon. But my downsize after a move is
letting the G. textorii get the better of me.
HELP!
<Well, it's sort of an interesting problem...For some people with Tangs, it
would be a dream come true! Given your small quarters, manual extraction and the
aforementioned "rent-a-rock" idea will help. Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>
Getting Gelidium!
Hello guys!
<Scott F. your guy today!>
Hope all is well.
Can you help me, I have red turf algae (Gelidium pusillus) that is slowly taking over my rock. The snails keep it short, but it is still a slow creep that covers up my
coralline algae and is becoming a general nuisance. Do you know of anything other than tangs that eat this stuff? Inverts, crabs, slugs, anything?
<Grr...this is a miserable algae, which I've battled myself. I have yet to find an herbivore that eats this stuff, although a friend of mine swears that his Tuxedo Urchin has eaten the stuff...>
Once we get our giant skimmer setup that will slow it down, but until then I need help! This stuff is impossible to get rid of. You can't pull it off the rock, toothbrush scrubbing doesn't work, and I can't take all my corals off the rock and cure it. So what's a girl to do??
<There is a tactical nuclear weapon that the Air Force has tested...Nah, seriously, I think that you should continue with the tedious manual extraction until the skimmer is in operation. You could try the urchin, but beware of the potential collateral damage that this creature could cause...>
Thanks! Luv, M&M
<Good luck! And do relay any success that you have in destroying this awful stuff! Regards, Scott F>
Red Hair/Branching algae - Ceramium 5/31/04
Hello Bob,
<Anthony Calfo in his stead>
I hope you're well and in a good shape.
<the more years that go by with me working in front of a computer, the
rounder I get. I'm thinking of strapping my laptop to a treadmill <G>>
I'm ok too, it could be better but it could be worse....
<keep on keeping on my friend>
I have received a question about : "red algae Ceramium (???, do you know
this algae?)
<the correct spelling is Ceramium with an "m". It is a nuisance
species... one of the many things called "red hair algae". This one
really is a doozy though. It naturally occurs in high nutrient near shore
environments and often lives as an unwelcome epiphyte on other critters and
substrates>
The aquarist has a wild growth of these algae and can't get rid of it.
<no worries... it can be controlled. Easily starved into submission with
tighter nutrient control. Really... it can disappear in 2-3 weeks with wicked
protein skimming. It probably got there because of poor protein skimming, weak
water changes and/or weak water flow which allowed sediments to accumulate>
He asks for my help. Al seems to be good in his measurements but he
has a Ca test of 600, to heavy I think.
<I doubt that the reading is even accurate. Indeed too high. And if his Alk
is not very low, then I am sure it is a misreading. Else, the poor chap is
having a precipitous snowstorm as we speak <G>>
I ask for my help and I ask for the help of the supreme chancellor....
<Hmmm... yikes! And we've just been calling him "Bob" all
along.>
He said he had a problem with his Ca reactor a while ago, what he did to help
the problem, he didn't say, perhaps is the solution knowing what he did.... Read
You. Regards, the best. Claude
<Claude, do suggest in concert with starving the algae out, some Diadema
urchins (Pacific or Atlantic species). They will only be treating the symptom
and not the problem, but will give results fast. They are marvelous algae
grazers. One small urchin per 100 gallons if you want to be conservative. Prost!
Anthony>
Nuisance red algae 4/5/04
Hey Anthony and Bob - I don't know if you remember me but I am from
the Rocky Mountain Reef Club in Colorado and we had you guys come out and
speak with us. I also work with Barry at Aqua Medic and
handle all his website development and talked with you about
wetwebmedia.com.
<cheers to all the Denver gang... especially that sweetie Becky at Neptune's
<G>>
I am having a very annoying algae bloom in my tank and I don't know what
it is or what I need to put into the tank to eat it or what I need to
change to stop it.
Here is a picture: http://www.johnsreef.com/images/red_macroalgae.jpg
Any information would help. I would really appreciate it!
Thanks! John Michael
<decent picture, but just not clear/close enough to make a confident
ID. Looks like it might be the dreaded red turf algae, Polysiphonia to me.
Do research that name (know that there are many forms of it... stick to
the hobby pics/sites.) Best regards, Anthony> |
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Botryocladia Predators
Hello.
<Hey, Mike G here>
I recently purchased a red grape macro
(Botryocladia sp.) and would like to know if there are
snails that will eat algae, but not touch my red grape macro.
<An astonishing array of herbivorous marine life will consume Botryocladia
species macroalgae, I am sorry to inform you. I would think it would be consumed
soon after you began to fill your tank.>
Also, would a lawnmower blenny eat the red grape macro?
<I would think so.>
Fauchea for Tangs? 1/8/04
Hi, Will Tangs eat Fauchea and if so, does it supply nutrition similar to
Tang Heaven?
<it is not so readily accepted as Gracilaria. I am not sure about nutritional
value though. I've seen the specs on Gracilaria (Tang Heaven), but nothing on
Fauchea. My advice is to stick with Gracilaria... Fauchea can be a miserable
nuisance over time. Somewhat noxious too>
Red Fauchea looks like a species that grows really well in a tank or refugium
<yes... because it is a nuisance <G>>
(we've tried several times to get Gracilaria to grow out for the tangs - no
luck). Thanks!
<do try to find a copy of our "Reef Invertebrates" which has extensive coverage
of refugiums, plants and algae species (the most comprehensive in the industry
to date). But the crash course on Gracilaria is most people do not give it
enough light (5 watts per gallon minimum... 2-3X even better), or enough water
flow (very strong is needed to keep the colony tumbling in suspension in the
aquarium). This algae is line or basket grown in shallow tropical waters under
very bright light and strong wave action. Anthony>
Anotrichum barbatum (The Red Scourge!) - 05/17/05
I have what looks like red turf algae. Anotrichum barbatum was the name I was given.
<Is a red turf algae, yes.>
Is there anything I can do to get rid of it? All parameters are optimal (0 or correct levels). Lighting is 300 watts of VHO, HOB refugium, and a mini 606 power head. This tank is a 20L.
Current inhabitants are a clown, Kenya tree, BTA, lawn mower blenny, misc. blenny, scarlet hermits and blue leg hermits.
<You need much more flow, especially with that BTA. Please increase water flow to 10x-20x the tank volume.>
Is there something I can put in there that will eat it? Possibly a Nudibranch of sort?
<Not likely. This algae can be very troublesome to eradicate. Elevate your pH to 8.6 and keep it there for several weeks, this has proven successful for some. I would also recommend adding a protein skimmer to help with nutrient export...an AquaC Remora would serve you well here.>
Thank you very much, Stephen.
<Very welcome, Eric R.>
Tap water Rinse for Aiptasia? Another Infestation of Aiptasia after
Buying Gracilaria - QT!
Dear Crew,
<Paul>
After receiving in the mail, a half-pound of beautiful Gracilaria parvispora infested with
Aiptasia, I am at a loss as to what to do with it. Currently, it is isolated in a bucket of saltwater with lighting and aeration but the
vendor does not seem to want it back. Is it possible to completely kill the Aiptasia and its larvae by soaking the
Gracilaria for several minutes with chlorinated tap water?
<Mmm, no>
I don't want to contaminate my aquariums but I hate to simply throw out the Gracilaria.
Thanks,
Paul
<I would go the route of using a purposeful Glass Anemone predator with this red algae, while still keeping it separate from your other systems. These Aiptasia-eaters are listed on WWM. Bob Fenner> Can I Get Some Ogo To Go? 09/25/05
Hello, I was at this site called Indo-Pacific Sea Farms and was reading
about "Tang Heaven Red". They call it a natural red sea weed that our tangs
will love. Have you great people at W.W.M. ever heard of this stuff. If you have
is it easy to grow in an aquarium like they say it is? <<Some Tangs love
Gracilaria parvispora, also known as 'Ogo'. It is possible to grow Ogo though I
would not say it is easy. Please see this link
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/redalgfaqs.htm). You could also search WWM for
"Gracilaria".>>
Thanks for taking the time to answer.
Jim Jesko
<<You're welcome. Cheers - Ted>>
Botryocladia skottsbergii HELP! Rhodophyte control in a
nano 7/2/06
Hi
Great website. Its may mainstay of info.
<Glad it is of use to/for you>
I have mainly all PICO and NANO sized tanks. I have two tanks with beautiful
growth of coralline and many zoos and other corals, however it being over run
with Botryocladia skottsbergii. At first I did not mind it, but now its just
gotten out of hand. Even my hermits and snails all sport coats of the
stuff......
<Yikes... "Attack of the Sea Grapes"!>
Simply stated. I need it gone or at least a way to control it. I tired to
manually clean it off the rocks, but it seems to propagate it.
Tanks are much to small for a tang unless I "rent" a small one for awhile. I use
I/O salt, SG is 1.026, temp 81 deg, cal 460, alk 11.6, ph 8.3, I use
Chaeto for nutrient export and run a protein skimmer as well. The tank that is
worst is a 12 gal nano.
Is there any other small fish that would eat this stuff.......that would be
better suited than a tang.......I sure do not want to ruin my live rock and its
encrusted life.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Roy Hauer
<Mmm, an excellent discussion of various "bubble algae" here:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-02/hcj/feature/index.php
including input on control means. Turbo species snails and small tangs of the
genera Ctenochaetus and Zebrasoma would be my first tries... though these last
can't live in such small confines indefinitely. Bob Fenner>
Red Algae
<<Greetings, JasonC here...>>
Can you give me some direction regarding where I am going wrong in trying to
control the red algae (probably Centroceras & Wrangelia) in my aquarium?
<<My guess would be BGA - Cyanobacteria, not really an algae but certainly
behaves like one.>> I have a 50 gallon tank, Fluval 404, BakPak Skimmer
and powerhead for circulation. I feed my 3 fish and 2 shrimp carefully. Readings
are H 8.2, Temp 78-80, Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 10 mg/L. I do a 5% water
change every other week. I run 3x30 watt full spectrum and 1x30 watt actinic for
12 hours a day. I've just added a couple of small pieces of Marshall Island
living rock and a small bunch of Caulerpa. However, the red algae covers
everything within a week to 10 days. How can I reverse this?
<<I would add one or two powerheads to the tank, perhaps more to increase
the water flow inside the tank. This is the best way as it makes it very
difficult for the algae to take hold. You will also have to continue the manual
removal until you gain the upper hand. Cheers, J -->>
Red algae/plant
Thanks for the feedback! My hermits, snails and cleaner shrimp haven't touched
them from what I can tell (but maybe I just haven't seen it).
<they are the wrong kind of herbivore for this job... they feed on microalgae/diatoms.
You need a fish grazer likely>
Any idea what might find this thing tasty?
<a Foxface/Rabbitfish or some tang species>
When should I be worried about it taking over the tank and possibly causing
problems for other inhabitants?
<really just an aesthetic matter... trim back as you desire/wish>
Thanks again, Andy
<best regards, Anthony>
Fauchea Red Algae 11/3/03
Sorry, I do have one other question. Have you heard of and know
anything about Fauchea Red Algae? Thanks, Paul
<it is an interesting algae that can be a plague in tanks without proper
nutrient control. Have you referenced this species on the website I sent you in
the last e-mail? www.algaebase.org see their links for this genus
here - http://www.algaebase.org/action.lasso
Anthony>
Macroalgae II 11/3/03
Thanks for the info. I will research algae on your web site
better. I just have one more question about it. From what
you said below, I take it that I should pick one type of algae that I want to
use, and use only that one, correct?
<correct>
For example, if I think Chaetomorpha is the one to go with, buy and
use nothing but it.
<exactly... else one species will dominate the others and worsen water
quality in the process (during the fight). Anthony>
Botryocladia (red bubble algae) 1/11/04
New to the reef thing!!! So the questions might be silly sorry.
<no worries... keep asking questions and learning>
I have a 120 gal reef tank and about 130lbs of live rock. After buying the live
rock I had run out of money so basically have watched the rock grow with only a
couple corals in the tank and hermits and snails.
<excellent. Not enough aquarists have such time/patience to let the rock
establish without fishes. The quality of live rock is much(!) better for
this>
Anyway I have a lot of what I think is Botryocladia skottsbergii over a lot of
the live rock. I don't really have any other "bad" algae problems no
slime in my tank very few of the big green bubble. 1. Should I be concerned
about it?
<not at all... it is very desirable to most aquarists. Rather hard to procure
and somewhat "ethereal" in existence. Enjoy it while you can>
2. Is there anything that feeds on it?
<actually... and overwhelming variety of herbivores will eat it. It will
disappear once you begin stocking the tank unless you take the time to set up a
refugium on the tank (very good idea) and remove some that safe vessel for safe
keeping. Anthony>
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