Can Someone Help me ID this Algae?

SaltyGal · Dec 29, 2014

I started a 10 gal nano last spring and it has only 2 clowns, rock and inverts. Because of this yucky algae I am not going to even attempt to put corals in here. I have kept the tank dark, I have done what I can to get the phosphate down to the point I can't tell the color on the test kit. This is driving me crazy!

oh: I have never seen it in my 54 gal corner that is a reef tank that has been running 4 years. It is a very pale green now, can't say if what I am doing is slowing starving it or what, but I would love to see it GONE!

This stuff is very tenacious on the rock only. Is it turf algae? How do I get rid of it short of taking the rock out piece by piece and boiling it.

Thanks in advance!

SamsReef · Dec 29, 2014

hair algae. if your nutrients are under control then try keeping your mag around 1600.

Sam

SaltyGal · Dec 29, 2014

Thanks. Sorry, never messed with Mg. Do I need to get a supplement and if so what would you suggest?

SamsReef · Dec 29, 2014

I would recomend purchasing Mag Chloride and Mag Sulphate frm BRS. Also, you should purchase salifert Mg testing kit. slowly raise it to around 1600. Keep it there for a few weeks. Personally I always keep Mag high. Zoas seems to like high Mag plus there has been no documented drawback of keeping Mag high long term.

Sam.

SaltyGal · Dec 29, 2014

Thanks! I will give this a try. Perhaps I should check my MG in the 54 as I have noticed zoas do good then seem to not do good. I use Tropic Marin salt for reef but not sure what the mg is. That tank seems to be fine except the need to supplement alk. I have LPS a few zoas and 2 RBT anemones ( just split a few months ago), mushrooms fish and inverts. I did have a problem with mixing the salt a bit high the last water change and I lost my torch and I am now losing my hammer. Both I have had for three years. Funny thing is the other torch I have seems to be fine, so go figure.