Help identifying green algae

rhorn67 · Dec 3, 2015

Can someone help me identify this type of green algae? It has began to cover the top of my live rock. It seems to only cover the parts of rock exposed to the lighting. Tank is in 6th week and finished initial cycle at week 4.

I do weekly water changes of 20-25%. Hydra 26 HD on for a total of 9 hours. 3hrs of ramp up 3hrs at full 3 hrs ramp down.

Params
salinity 1.025
PH 7.93-8.02
alk 10
calc 460
ammonia 0
nitrite 0
nitrate 5
phosphates 0
mag 1450

Thank you

Wiz · Dec 3, 2015

Looks like the start of Coralline algae

rhorn67 · Dec 3, 2015

I had no idea that is how Coralline algae starts. I guess I should have researched it a little more. I started with mostly dry rock but seeded with some smaller pieces that had Coralline growing on it. Well if that's what it is that would be awesome!

Wiz · Dec 3, 2015

"Coraline algae loves actinic blue actinic light and hates white light. ... The initial growth will appear as a lime green coating"

rhorn67 · Dec 3, 2015

I have a JBJ RL30 with Hydra 26 HD LEDs. Below are my current settings. Do these look ok? Any recommendations or suggestions?

UV 31%
Violet 60%
Royal 80%
Blue 80%
Green 9%
Deep Red 9%
Cool White 20%

Ramp up for 3 hrs
Full 3 hrs
Ramp down 3 hrs

Wiz · Dec 3, 2015

Lighting is a grey area. I don't pretend to know a lot. Sounds ok to me

reefwiser · Dec 3, 2015

Just algae too me but hey what do I know I have only been keeping saltwater since 1984. [emoji3] while you may see Ina test kit 0 phosphates. That does mean that you will not have algae in a new tank. As algae can suck the phosphate out of the water faster than you can test. One of the many problems with the start with dry rock that many people do not days with dry rock it is like having a dirt field that you expect only grass will go on. Instead you have an open site for weeds to grow. I would suggest getting a algae scrubber. As for your lights do you have access to a Par meter? It is essential in setting up LED lighting corals react completely different to lighting than you as a human see the light in your tank. People want to crank up the intensity of their lighting to the level of killing corals with too much light.

rhorn67 · Dec 3, 2015

Good analogy on the dry rock and I understand the point. What is your opinion as to the type of algae I have growing?

I did rent a PAR meter and documented the readings. I guess I am curious whether my light settings are ok with respect to the amount of time I have them on, the percents of each spectrum I have etc.

reefwiser · Dec 4, 2015

You have basic green algae. Coraline is a calcium algae so you will see a while calcium edge with purple on top.

You will find with a Par meter that where corals don't do good you have a spot of high intensity in the Par value say over 350 par.

rhorn67 · Dec 4, 2015

Based on my parameters and my water changes should the outbreak go away on its own? Suggestions?

Wiz · Dec 4, 2015

Notvsaying I'm right. Just saying test it. Then you'll know.

"Coralline comes in many shades and colors, and one of the fastest growing encrusting coralline species likely to be encountered in aquaria are green in color and may make you think you have a type of nuisance algae growing on your rocks. You can distinguish green coralline algae from film algae by testing its hardness, coralline should not come off easily when toothbrushed. Fast growing green coralline algae usually takes up residence on bare rock, and is often later engulfed by epiphytic coralline algae that have "better coloring" like reds, pinks and purples"

reefwiser · Dec 4, 2015

Just scrape with a knife and there should be calcium under it. We don't see green any more do to most rock in aquariums are dry Marco rock. I haven't seen green coralline in a very long time. Best way to get algae away is to get a algae scrubber and a good skimmer and do not over feed your tank.

Nowell · Dec 4, 2015

I had some gorgeous pale green coralline in the 1990s. Anyone still have some?

Wiz · Dec 4, 2015

It clearly states green quickly covers "BARE ROCK" then gets overgrown by pinks , reds etc...

Rhorn67 please let us know if it comes off easy or is calcerous. I would love to know which it really is.

rhorn67 · Dec 5, 2015

Hey guys so sorry for the late reply, work blew up so had to give it my attention. So I took a toothbrush to a few spots and scrubbed. Nothing came off or ended up on the brush so it appears to be calcareous. The algae is definitely not flaky or in pieces so maybe the very early stages. I took another pic and attached.

Wiz · Dec 6, 2015

Yep coraline

nervousmonkey · Dec 6, 2015

Had same thing. Coralline, but there was also some green hair algae that grew out too. Only way I could distinguish was toothbrush test.

rhorn67 · Dec 6, 2015

No hair algae at all so I'm rolling with Wiz on this one. Bring on the pinks and reds!

Thanks everyone for all of your help, much appreciated.

reefwiser · Dec 7, 2015

There is no win on answering people's questions. I just share my experiences in the hobby for 52 years. I hope you do have Green coraline algae. I haven't seen this in 27 years since they stop the collection of wild live rock. You might have something that other people want. I would find out where you got it and tell the LFS that they have it as it is a novelty algae that you don't see.