2 Macro's in main tank should I be concerned? Spreading quickly...

[SMI]

(Newbie)

Hi,

-The 1st pic is Red "thorny-like" algae only grows on that rock pictured, The Zoa's don't seem to mind, I don't mind just want to make sure not a severe nuisance.

-2nd (Center of pic, also some to the top-right) thick and lush (kinda like moss), spreads fast but only on the rocks without coralline. Flows pleasantly in the current and covered the ugly base rock. Any guesses? Thanks!! Steve.

 

[bluenassarius]

both of em are nuisance. if you don't control it now it will take over.

 

[piercho]

The first one I have no idea. The second, a green filamentous algae, maybe a Derbesia. The first one I'd let be, myself, and see how it develops. The second should be harvested and removed from the tank as often as reasonable. Over the long term, you want alga like Derbasia to recede and not be visible in the tank. If it continuous to spread, it can become a nuisance.

 

[SMI]

Will a Tang or a Foxface help control it a bit? Thanks!

 

[piercho]

Derbesia are resistant to grazing, but Rabbitfishes (including Foxface) or Zebrasoma genus tangs may pick at it. IMO the most effective method, if its practical for your size tank, is persistent manual removal.

 

[SuperNerd]

Do you have room to setup a refugium? If yes...why not put them in there and let them do some work for you?