Algae ID?

[Eienna]

I don't really need an ID, because I'm not trying to get rid of the stuff...but I'm curious what sort of algae this is.

 

[JMMJ13902]

Looks like green hair algae. Don't know of anybody doesn't want to get rid of them

 

[Eienna]

Looks like green hair algae. Don't know of anybody doesn't want to get rid of them

It's in my FO tank so it's not hurtin' nothin'. I'm actually using it to feed the snails in my reef (they're starving right now...), and I'm sure it helps a bit with the water quality in there.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Definately Hair Algae. Definately want it in your sump only, it will help with water quality as it uses nitrates and phosphates up

 

[Eienna]

Definately Hair Algae. Definately want it in your sump only, it will help with water quality as it uses nitrates and phosphates up

I'll have a sump soon. Maybe this "pest" shall prove even more helpful!

 

[mike007]

I would not be putting that stuff in your dt. Once it starts growing in there you will have issues.

 

[Eienna]

I would not be putting that stuff in your dt. Once it starts growing in there you will have issues.

That's the crazy part. I had it there. That's why I have it in my FO in the first place (moved some rock.) My turbos have since totally bulldozed it in the reef, which is why they're going hungry now. They were actually getting pale and sluggish, which is why I put some in for them. It's all I have; they're not recognizing nori as food.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Ya got the Nori laying on the sandbed for them?

 

[Eienna]

Ya got the Nori laying on the sandbed for them?

Tried that. Even tried setting them on top of it. Nothing.

 

[Eienna]

You should see what they're doing to the piece I just gave you the photo of. I'll take a new photo in a day or two. Amazing.

 

[Eienna]

Okay. They stopped before getting to the spot I'd photo'd so a before and after is useless. :/

I get that I don't want this stuff to take root in my tank. I hear ya. I just don't want my snails to die...they're the few creatures that survived from the beginning and I'd hate to lose them now. Probably sounds like I wasn't listening and for that I apologize.

 

[Eienna]

The piece is now back in the FO.

 

[Mmsetta]

I have same growth in my tank. I put some turbo's in there and they cleaned half the tank perfectly. But, they couldn't seem to tackle the very long stuff. I just pulled the rock out with the larger growth and used a toothbrush to get it off. I hope this was the right thing to do. I do not have a sump and it looked bad to me.

I heard that hair algae results from high phosphates? Is this true? And anyone know how to reduce these if so?

(Sorry to high jack your thread).

 

[Reefing Madness]

High phohphates and or nutrients. (nitrates)
To rid your tank of phosphates, any of these will work:
Frequent water changes using RO water
GFO (ranular Ferric Oxide in a reactor or a pouch thrown into a filter
Brightwells Phosphate E
SeaKlear pool phosphate remover, use this one over the Brightwell, as you get a lot more for less money.

For lowering nutrients do the same, more frequent water changes using RO water. Or a very large skimmer, one rate at over twice your tank volume.
Carbon Dose- aka Vodka Dosing.
Bio Pellets and such like that.