Algae ID

[homer1475]

Now I know I have a GHA issue, but recently I've started to see these green mushroom type algae in a certain spot. Any help would be appreciated.

Not exactly how well it can be seen as its at the back of my tank and tough to get a picture of.

 

[lifeoffaith]

I think it's a form of Caulerpa. I forget the name of it though. Maybe someone else will chime in soon.

 

[mcgyvr]

Caulerpa peltata possibly..

and yes.. Thats a mess

 

[homer1475]

Yup thats just what it looks like. Now how to get rid of it?

 

[lifeoffaith]

Your best action will be nutrient export. This happens with water changes and removal of algae through scrubbing and pulling. There are some fish that will eat caulerpa, but it is going to depend on your tank size as they are fish that need larger tanks such as tangs and I think rabbitfish will eat them too. These fish will not take care of the problem though, which is the nutrients in your rock or in your water. They may be able to help control the algae, but that is all.

 

[mcgyvr]

Yup thats just what it looks like. Now how to get rid of it?

How fast do you want to get rid of it?

Pulling the rock and doing a 15 minute dip/scrub in 50% water/50% hydrogen peroxide is a great way to attack it fast..
Mix a bowl/bucket of 50% tank water/50% peroxide and place the rock into it.. Scrub very well with a toothbrush.. Water will be bubbly/green,etc.. Get as much as you can off.. Rinse rock with more old tank water and throw it right back into the tank..

BUT.. You also need to ensure you have taken care of nitrate/phosphate levels to keep more from growing elsewhere/back on the rock..

 

[homer1475]

Yes I know about nutrient export, that's not my issue. My issue is not having the time to do proper husbandry the last 3 months, and I started with all dry pukani.

Aggressive GFO use, weekly WC's combined with weekly pulling/yanking, should take care of the GHA. I just was not sure what the mushroom looking algae that was popping up was. Luckily that rock is right at the top of the stack and easy to pull.


This is the first tank I've ever started with all dry rock, and probably the last tank I start with all dry rock. lol

 

[mcgyvr]

Yes I know about nutrient export, that's not my issue. My issue is not having the time to do proper husbandry the last 3 months, and I started with all dry pukani.

This is the first tank I've ever started with all dry rock, and probably the last tank I start with all dry rock. lol

Well you asked how to get rid of it.. getting excessive nutrients out of the tank is the real answer.. That is the main issue..
As to the issue of why you don't have the time to take care of the tank.. Thats not something we can help you with.
Just no easy button on this one..

And nothing wrong with dry rock.. Many now recommend starting with it to avoid hitchhikers/pests,etc...You have a much better chance of NOT introducing unwanted stuff into the tank starting with dead rock vs live..

 

[Percula9]

Get one of those metal brushes from the hardware store.Scrub the rock clean and rinse it in seawater.Put back in.

 

[homer1475]

My point of the dry rock was it is pukani which is notorious for leeching phosphates.

Yes I know about removing nutrients, my specific question was how to get rid of the calurpa.

My lack of time is how the GHA got this bad. LR would have not gotten this bad in such a short time.