Turf algae

reefcleaners · Aug 26, 2020

Aqua Man said:
Blenny will graze on it some. Cool fish, one of my favorites.

Turf is not like hair. I’ve about toppled my rocks trying to pull on it! Scrubbing would only get it temporarily and would grow back. scrubbing and and peroxide was a little better.

Urchins have strong jaws. They actually scrape the rock bare to get the algae, roots and all.

It is coarser for sure. Need the extra cutting power urchins have.

Kcstoker1 · Aug 26, 2020

Broke2Broke said:
Never had an urchin before. Any recommendations on which one? Any concerns with corals?

I have a blue tuxedo from Live Aquaria and an ORA Variegated urchin. They mow right through turf. They’re great, but they can’t keep up with whatever my problem is. Highly recommend.

Aqua Man · Aug 30, 2020

The urchin did remove some Xenia that was climbing the rock work. Other than that all other coral are good. Pencil urchin is what I have. I’m sure other urchins are good too. I would still keep with the pencil though. Tuxedo and others with short spines pick up and carry around things that aren’t glued down!

najer · Aug 30, 2020

Broke2Broke said:
Never had an urchin before. Any recommendations on which one? Any concerns with corals?

Tuxedo urchins, I have 5 or 6 and they are reef safe, glue your frags down!

Scorpius · Aug 30, 2020

I had a variety of turf algae that was like a soft bristle brush. Nothing, I mean nothing would touch it expect aggressive use of Vibrant for many months.

Broke2Broke · Sep 3, 2020

Just a little update after 12 days in of using Reef Flux. At first I didn't think it was doing anything, but after about a week I noticed some change in turf. Seems to be getting lighter in color in some spots and thinning out in others. The smaller spots that didn't have much are completely gone. I may try to pull some out, but they are a little hard to get to plus I try to keep my hands out if at all possible. All corals/fish seem to be fine. 60 gal tank with sump, I used about 7 pills which treats 70 gals. Still have another week or so before they recommend a water change. I may do another dose after the 3 weeks are up depending on how it looks just to make sure its completely gone. But so far so good.

eric33014 · Sep 11, 2020

Update. Few weeks post getting algae blenny. And not touching any of the thick patches. Next step is a urchin. Keep you all updated. Things in yank still happy and no issues. Adding corals and all are happy. Have a good weekend.

Broke2Broke · Sep 13, 2020

3 week mark from Reef Flux. Turf is completely gone. Water parameters have stayed the same throughout. I need to do a water change and add some macro algae back. But worked in my case.

InvaderJim · Sep 13, 2020

1mL of Vibrant twice a week eradicated mine. I don't remember how long it took but I remember looking at the tank one day and was like wow it's all gone.

Timfish · Sep 13, 2020

Manual removal and urchins. Urchins scour the rock removing the holdfasts that lets algae regrow faster. I use stainless steel straws to scrape and remove algae (among ohter things).

jda · Sep 13, 2020

Pull as much out as you can. Keep doing this for as long as it takes. Get a few pincushion or pencil urchins - I like to use ReefTopia and their stuff is super hardy and ships well. You can pick them up and place them on the algae if you need to. Get one for ever 2 gallons or so... you might need a few.

If you a algaecide like Vibrant (it is algaecide even though they lie about it), AlgaeFix, ReeFlux, etc. it can do damage to some of the other things in your tank and some of your other cleaners might die.