Can anyone id?

[ReefWhatYouSow]

So this isn't a picture from my tank but looks to be exactly what I have.

It's isn't flowy like hair algae and is a reddish/brownish color.

It started growing on one rock and there is now a little on others in the tank.

Any ideas?

 

[shifty51008]

looks like Gelidium

http://www.reefcleaners.org/nuisance-algae-id-guide

 

[ReefWhatYouSow]

I think you are exactly right, and thanks for that page! It's very helpful.

I'll have to take out the few rocks that I can but I think I see it starting to grow on my rockwall so I might have to try one of the critters.

Any suggestions or reasons not to get one of them?

 

[shifty51008]

that page is very helpful glad you liked it.

as for the critters I would go with the sea hare, turbo and maybe the emerald crab, I never had an urchan so I don't know how they act. you can also send that pic to reefcleaners and tell them about your tank and they can set you up with the correct ammount of what you need. thats what I do and it works out great.

good luck with it though as it seems to be a pita to remove.

 

[thefishyboy]

What a good thread. I think I have some of this growing on my live rock as well will try and remove it.

 

[ReefWhatYouSow]

Just an update on the gelidium. While it isn't all gone I have made strides. I bought two urchins (one rock boring and one pincushion). The pincushion hasn't made a dent (just rearranged frags) but the rock boring has scraped a lot off and has kept the rest of it mowed down. I should have added two or three rock boring into my 210. It hasn't spread any more and if anything is starting to "disappear".

Just thought it might be beneficial to know for anyone having to deal with gelidium!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[StrangeDejavu]

Good to know. I figure i'll end up with it soon, as all the Trochus I bought had this all over their shells. I probably should have scraped it all off but the last time I did this to a snail, it died (temp shock after putting him back in I guess). Mexican Turbos are supposed to mow through Gelidium so if it pops up, I guess i'll be getting one.

 

[ReefWhatYouSow]

Good to know. I figure i'll end up with it soon, as all the Trochus I bought had this all over their shells. I probably should have scraped it all off but the last time I did this to a snail, it died (temp shock after putting him back in I guess). Mexican Turbos are supposed to mow through Gelidium so if it pops up, I guess i'll be getting one.

I would guess that you might be okay if it is only on the shells, unless the snails die. The stuff grows similar to grass runners (like zoysia grass). It doesn't seem to grow on anything that it doesn't touch. So unless the snail dies on the rock, and the shell get stuck there, And your water and light conditions are favorable to the algae... Then I wouldn't worry [emoji1]