algae ID

[mildew]

Can you ID and suggest a control of this macroalgae for me? This algae popped up on Florida LR a few weeks after setting up the tank in July 2005. At first it looked appealing and in a small clump still is, but it is a constant battle (hand pulling) to keep it from taking over the tank. While tough, it is brittle and every little piece seem to attach to the LR and take off growing. A yellow tang hasn't controlled it either because it won't eat it or it grows too fast. This algae is smothering zooanthids and mushrooms.

 

[graveyardworm]

I've got some similar stuff, only I think mine came the Pacific. I just wish it would grow like you describe.

 

[mildew]

Graveyardworm, no, don't wish this on yourself as it may very well result in my tearing down the tank. This algae is a real problem. Isn't there anyone out there who can tell me what it is and how to control it or is this something I'm just expected to know if I'm going to mess with saltwater? The yellow tang has eaten everything green and everything red except this one. Must be like having a mouth full of rubber bands.

 

[graveyardworm]

I think the reds are generally paletable to most herbivors. You could try a foxface rabbitfish, although your tank is a bit on the small side for an adult it would keep a juvenile happy for quite awhile. The algae being an atlantic species may be more favorable to an Atlantic herbivor.

 

[mildew]

Bump

 

[Samala]

Whats the scale of this photo? Er, how large are the alga branches? Is this something that looks really fine and fluffy in the tank, or large and obvious.

It almost looks like a Laurencia species, but not quite. Reds are really hard to ID, there are so many of them.

>Sarah

 

[mildew]

Sarah, Tomorrow I'll take a picture of the algae in the tank which should give you a better idea. The filaments are thicker than hair and it looks quite fluffy in the tank. A small mound of it is very attractive and reminds of a clump of that artificial green stuff that they used to sell as air fern years ago.

 

[mildew]

Here is the algae growing on rock in the tank. I haven't yet figured out how to post more than one picture at a time using Photobucket so the next posting will give you scale. Thanks

 

[mildew]

This should give you some idea of size. The scale is in inches on the top, centimeters on bottom.

 

[mildew]

Oops, the centimeter scale doesn't show. Sorry. The scale below the algae is inches.

 

[mildew]

bump

 

[graveyardworm]

If I had to guess I would say Scinaia, but like Samala said sooo many reds. It is virtually identical to what I have. Mine has fragmented, but no new growth anywhere.