Remove algae from rock

Aleph · May 8, 2020

Hi guys I have an algae free tank, only have coralline algae. I recently bought a rock with some mushrooms on it that has a lot of different kinds of algae in it and I placed it separated from other rocks, now I would like to get rid of all the algae on that rock to prevent the possibility of nuisance algae taking over in my tank, is there a way to do that without harming the mushrooms?
Thanks!

NS Mike D · May 8, 2020

remove the rock, scrub. the algae off with a stiff brush. Then, like a surgeon spray (or apply with a q-tip) the area with Hydrogen Peroxide careful not to touch your mushrooms, then rinse (away from the mushrooms) with rodi and replace back in the tank.

This is basically part of the rip clean/sand rinse technique for much larger algae invasions on nano tanks.

Aleph · May 8, 2020

OK thanks, would the mushrooms die if I wasn't as good as a surgeon (that is most likely the case

) and let some of the peroxide get in contact with them?

NS Mike D · May 8, 2020

Aleph said:
OK thanks, would the mushrooms die if I wasn't as good as a surgeon (that is most likely the case ) and let some of the peroxide get in contact with them?

use a knife to scrape away any algae next to the mushrooms and then using a q-tip keep a distance with which you feel comfortable. They should survive a quick accidental exposure, but I wouldn't risk it, the shroom should deny the algae near it from light when it opens up and thus naturally take care of that area

brandon429 · May 8, 2020

I tried on purpose to kill them w 35%, 3% is safer, still be targeted in your work it’s easy to avoid contacting them, use a dropper if needed

Aleph · May 8, 2020

Great thanks guys I will try

brandon429 · May 8, 2020

post pics, theres a big thread we collect any degree of surgery. its like doing dental work but on a reef tooth, scraping bad areas avoiding the gum/good areas. post pics of the flow we'll link to surgical thread

also your opening description: very rare. rarely does someone opt out of a full tank invasion takeover of an otherwise perfect system.
We've been specifically trained in the hobby to sit back, take no action, and buy something by clicking on a web popup after searching algae took over my whole tank

we're allowed to go out and pull dandelions daily to keep yard sharp, a given.

but someones ten thousand dollar reef tank? heck no, drive it into the ground maybe vibrant will help.

the few that break free of that right up front? compare your words to the first words in our surgical thread

you completed the secret knock.