Red algae ID is it good or bad?

[Nicholas Dushynsky]

Hi,
I have had this in my tank for along time but in small quantities and don't know what algae it is, it seems to be growing slowly but not invasivly at the moment. I do like the look of it though as it adds colour and it's free. I Thought I'd check if it's good or bad before I start a clean up of it (or leave it). The hermits and snails don't touch it. Any advice I would be grateful thanks.
The tank is 18 months old but the rock I have had in a previous tank for 9 years but I didn't have it growing in there from what I remember as I scrubbed all the rocks before I put it in the new tank, I took no notice of what was on there.

 

[Ludders]

Not a clue what it is, but it looks quite good so long as it's not growing like xenia.

 

[S.O.MLemos]

I’ve had some of that stuff come with some zoa frags but my turbo snails always munch it away so I’ve never worried. Don’t know what it is though, looks a lot like a red macro algae(like a purple fauchea macro)

 

[Nicholas Dushynsky]

I tried xenia once, never again. And no its not growing like that. I just wish my euphilia would grow like xenia does, I'd be rich with all the dragging I'd have to do with xenia u can't give that away.

 

[Nicholas Dushynsky]

So there might be some snails that have an appetite for it. Maybe mine are too busy cleaning elsewhere.

 

[Ludders]

I tried xenia once, never again. And no its not growing like that. I just wish my euphilia would grow like xenia does, I'd be rich with all the dragging I'd have to do with xenia u can't give that away.

I'm with you there, it grows like weed. I believe it would grow in british canals.
Got some once when I started reefing, never again.

 

[dbraun15]

A type of Halymenia sp. is my guess.

 

[Nicholas Dushynsky]

Thanks. Is that something that could be a problem with?

 

[dbraun15]

Same species as the ever popular "dragons breath" macro. IMO, only a problem if you don't like it. I personally think it looks great in the display. Also, very easy to keep under wraps and you could even sell the excess.

 

[Nicholas Dushynsky]

I must admit I do like the look of it, plus it's only growing in between corals and that saves me money trying to fill them with new corals. If it is a good species and I sold any excess, what I've got in my tank would just dissappear or get eaten. So I think I might hang on to it as long as I can and just enjoy it. Unless I grow loads that is.