Green wire algae problem

[SuncrestReef]

I've had an ongoing problem with green wire algae in my tank for months. I have pukani rock which is known to leach phosphates, so even though my water tests reveal phosphates at 0.06ppm, I'm guessing the algae is thriving on phosphates directly from the rocks.

I've been manually removing it where I can, but the rocks have too many small holes to get my fingers or tweezers into. My cleanup crew seems to munch on it a bit, but not enough to make much difference.

Any tips on battling it, or specific herbivores that might tackle it?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

The phosphates reach equilibrium with the water.

That stuff is just a pain.

Have you tried an urchin?

 

[jd371]

I'm experiencing the same problem. Had high nutrients but I've gotten those back where they belong and started Flucanozole treatment last week. OP any luck dealing with this so far?

 

[SuncrestReef]

I'm experiencing the same problem. Had high nutrients but I've gotten those back where they belong and started Flucanozole treatment last week. OP any luck dealing with this so far?

I ended up getting a couple of emerald crabs and they went to town eating it. It’s completely under control now.

 

[jd371]

Thank you, any problems with other inverts or fish?

 

[saintsreturn]

I have had several emerald crabs in my tanks for years. I have never had an issue with them and other inhabitants. They just murdered some algae.

 

[SuncrestReef]

Thank you, any problems with other inverts or fish?

No problems at all. The emerald crabs keep to themselves and alternate between grazing and resting. They haven't harmed any corals, fish, or cleanup crew. The only drama is when the crab is resting in a spot where my blue chromis like to hang out, so the chromis peck at it until it moves.

So far I've observed them eating green wire algae, bubble algae, and bryopsis.

 

[jd371]

Good to hear. I got the nutrients down in the past couple of weeks and started the Flucanzole treatment this past weekend, hopefully it works or knocks it down some, but I've read that it will most likely come back. So it looks like I'm going to get an Emerald Crab in the near future. How many do you recommend for a 75g?

This is what I'm dealing with. This is the biggest patch in the tank with small patches throughout.