Algae

[BigAquaBob]

Stupid question probably. I have some algae in my tank some growing on the corals and rocks. Some on the sand. Nothing crazy but I see people always asking about what type this or that is. I figure a little algae is probably fine and a good sign of a healthy habitat. I clean what's on the glass and leave the rest. Am I off base? Should I be trying to eradicate the algae I have?

 

[Subsea]

If you showed me a picture of your tank, I could better comment.

It can get complicated. Not all algaes are the same just like not all corals are the same.

In my 25 year mature system biofiltration tripod is algae, bacteria and sponges.



PS: I run high nutrient system with a mixed garden. No SPS.

 

[Subsea]

[I figure a little algae is probably fine and a good sign of a healthy habitat. I clean what's on the glass and leave the rest. Am I off base? Should I be trying to eradicate the algae I have?]

@BigAquaBob
wild reefs would be algae dominated if it were not for herbivores. When I can’t get the right janitor for the job, I become that janitor. After 50 years addicted to this hobby, it grieves me to see focus on STERILE. As if algae were bad. Coral could not live without zooantheli.

All photosynthetic organisms give off exudates. Coral zooanthelia exudates are proteins & lipids while algae exudates are glucose & carbohydrate. Collectively this is DOC. Soft & fleshly algae like GHA give off more DOC than firm fleshed algaes like Chaetomorphy.

 

[BigAquaBob]

If you showed me a picture of your tank, I could better comment.

It can get complicated. Not all algaes are the same just like not all corals are the same.

In my 25 year mature system biofiltration tripod is algae, bacteria and sponges.



PS: I run high nutrient system with a mixed garden. No SPS.

I'll try to get a pic when I get home. I have a lil green on the glass, some brown in the sand and some brown in between the zoas and on the gsp. They all seem happy and what grows on the rocks my snails eat

 

[Subsea]

Sounds like healthy nutrient recycling.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Likely surface algae and detritus, both which will support nitrogen cycle and feed clean up crew

 

[BigAquaBob]

Here is my tank with the algae I'm seeing