How do I stop focusing on algae?

[clown and friends]

I have been having some algae issues lately and its really ruining my enjoyment of the hobby. The issues actually aren't really even noticeable other than if you look up close. A patch under my powerhead in the sand and a little bit here and there on some rocks. How can I focus on the good parts of my reef and stop letting algae ruin my enjoyment of the reef?

 

[Justfebreezeit]

Take your pointer finger and thumb and put a finger/thumb on each side of the algae. Close your hand vice and remove algae from the tank.

 

[flsalty]

Well you can do what I do and consider algae one of the good parts...lol. I don't think a tank without some algae looks healthy or natural.

 

[Samina]

I know some people are really gung-ho about not having any microalgae in their display but I have always appreciated it as long as it’s contained. I don’t find it ugly or unsightly as long as it’s not overrunning anything. I know that may sound crazy! But I just feel like it sort of belongs there to a point and as long as it’s not spreading and manageable, then hey why not. It’s life and just another interesting piece of the ecosystem you built and manage.

 

[Loggerhead]

purple pincushion urchin would likely mow it down, unfortunately it will also strip your rocks of coraline as well. Its a give and take.

 

[Victoria M]

Therapy...you start reefing for the joy of it and think a good hobby will be a good stress relief. Then you need therapy over your algae issue, fish issue, or budget issues. JK of course

 

[clown and friends]

purple pincushion urchin would likely mow it down, unfortunately it will also strip your rocks of coraline as well. Its a give and take.

Are they bulldozers? I do have a good bit of coral I don't want knocked over...

 

[clown and friends]

Therapy...you start reefing for the joy of it and think a good hobby will be a good stress relief. Then you need therapy over your algae issue, fish issue, or budget issues. JK of course

Aint that the truth. It is honestly contained its not like my rocks are covered or anything, I think I just got it in my head things have to be spotless clean on the rocks

 

[DzidtheReefer]

Its just part of the process and ideally it will level out. I mostly just have tangs in my tank and they graze all day. Im also a big believer in these blennies

 

[Loggerhead]

I have three urchins currently and have had five total. The purple pincushion, banded urchin, Halloween urchin and fire urchin did not pick up corals that weren't glued down, though most of mine are. The pincushion may take a snail for a ride every once in a while, but it is rare. My tuxedo urchin on the other hand wears anything it can as a hat constantly. Corals, rocks, snails, hermits, a thermometer, you name it it tries it on.

 

[Auquanut]

A lot of people want and are able to achieve a completely prestine tank. I've been a diver for many years, and have never seen a pristine reef. Algae in one form or another is a part of every natural reef. Of course, you can't let algae overrun your tank, but your tank is an ecosystem. A certain amount of algae is a part of that system. There are measures you can employ to keep a healthy balance. Just my .02.

 

[Loggerhead]

Also, unless you are super careful or just plain crazy, I would stay away from the banded and fire urchins until you have some experience with them. They both pack a potent sting. You can pick up the pincushion, Halloween and tuxedo and move them if necessary.

 

[brandon429]

you should not stop focusing on it, your conscience is warning you in ways that can save your tank from fragmenting loss.

*make your tank algae in control, then you can stop focusing on it. The number one thing all algae invasion/help threads have in common is 0% of them show up with an algae free tank, that they've been manually keeping 100% algae free, and are tired of servicing.

no, they present a full on forest. Agreed you might have patches that stay in control on their own, but since you aren't sure, you shouldnt abandon your conscience. get algae free, then if some grows back you can let it ride by having algae-free practices in your back pocket.

You stop focusing on algae only when you are so adept at controlling it, that it has no chance. when you can control its spread 100% or make it gone at will, then allowing some and ignoring it will be easy as pie

 

[Loggerhead]

Are they bulldozers? I do have a good bit of coral I don't want knocked over...

Forgot to add, if your tank is acrylic, stay as far away from urchins as possible. Their spines and teeth will scratch it to a haze.

 

[krash7172]

After my tank matured, an algae scrubber and a modest cuc has kept the wife from complaining

 

[Katrina71]

Start buying coral to compliment it. You will actually miss it when it goes away. Not kidding.

 

[John08007]

Also, unless you are super careful or just plain crazy, I would stay away from the banded and fire urchins until you have some experience with them. They both pack a potent sting. You can pick up the pincushion, Halloween and tuxedo and move them if necessary.

I had a black long spine, the spines were about 4-5" long. They called it an orange eye urchin when i had it about 15yrs ago. I thought it was like a pin that unless I pushed my hand into it I'd be fine. Nope! Not the case at all. Brushed my hand against it accidentally. It was like 10 times worse than a bee sting. Put that guy right in a bucket and drove him back to my lfs.