ID algae

soxford27 · May 7, 2021

Please help me figure out what algae this is. I think it is turf algae. I’ve gone through three sea hares and have a lot of snails, hermits, and a lawnmower blenny to help with this algae but it is growing fast through out my rock work. Water changes 20% every two weeks. Any recommendations would be great!
Salinity : 1.025
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 20
Calcium: 450
Alkalinity: 9

Waters · May 7, 2021

Hard to tell since it is so short, but looks like either GHA or Turf. I would start by lowering nitrates a bit. What are your phosphates at? How long as the tank been set up? How much are you feeding?

soxford27 · May 7, 2021

Waters said:
Hard to tell since it is so short, but looks like either GHA or Turf. I would start by lowering nitrates a bit. What are your phosphates at? How long as the tank been set up? How much are you feeding?

Phosphate is .25. Tank has been up for over a year and I feed every other day with new life spectrum. Just a small pinch. Most the time I feed my tank once every few days.

Waters · May 7, 2021

I assume you are using the API phosphate test? If so, you might want to pick up a test kit (such as the Hanna) that tests lower range. I personally would start by lowering phosphates and nitrates (being careful not to bottom them out). Manually pull out as much as you can and scrub areas with a toothbrush in the tank and let the CUC do their work. I would also blow the rocks out with a turkey baster nightly until things get back under control. There are more aggressive things you can do but most of them come with extra risks (Vibrant, Fluconazole, Hydrogen Peroxide, etc). I am actually fighting the exact same thing. Just noticed you are in Cleveland.....small world