Algae ID in sps tank

[wayne_sreef]

I have this purple color of algae growing on some of the rocks. So far nothing in the tank is taking interest in it. Just like to know what type of algae is it and possible what kind animal will control it. Thanks.

 

[Creetin]

Hey wayne do you have hermits? I had the same growth on a couple rocks, and the hermits are eating it.
Oh and my clown tang loves it so its not really a plague for me.

 

[wentreefgirl]

Are they calcarious or like plant. I can look up in my book but have 2 that look like that so need this info.

 

[GorillaReefer]

I had some of that growing in my tank, including some other different types. I purchased these 2 fish, and they completely devoured every unwanted type of algae in 1 week.

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=683

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=1449

 

[bkelley02]

What did the fish do to anything else in the tank once the algae was gone, anything? I was thinking about getting the Bi-Color or the Magnificent Foxface but was concerned about it becoming a nibbler.

 

[GorillaReefer]

My tank is mainly SPS, and so far they don't bother any corals. Just keep them fed and I don't think you'll have any problems. They just seem to swim around and graze off the rocks all day.

 

[wayne_sreef]

I have 100 blue lagged hermit in the tank and do see them eating it.

 

[Creetin]

It will take time, But they will mow it down wayne.
You can try and scrape most of it off, and let the hermits clean the rest off.

 

[Creetin]

Or get a clown tang< But he would most likely kill your other fish.
Well its a chance anyways.
My tomini tang dont touch it, But i will start starving my tank now that the emp is gone.

 

[wentreefgirl]

I have a yellow tank to do my lawn mowing.

 

[mm949]

urchin would recycle that for u....

 

[wentreefgirl]

Ummm, ok, on another topic, nice avatar mm949.

 

[wayne_sreef]

BTW what type of urchin are reef safe?

 

[mm949]

most are ok...globes are preferred...great for picking up loose items at the bottom of tank too...