Finally found a solution to fluffy red algae

[Zero Cool]

If anybody has trouble with fluffy red algae like in the picture below and you've tried just about everything to get rid of it, here's a tip: mexican turbo snails. Omg, I never added any turbos to my 40br reef because I heard how big they become and how they knock stuff over, but within minutes of being in the tank they started eating the algae, much to my relief! Should have tried that sooner... sigh.

 

[TheH]

I also had luck with mexican turbo snails, but only from one of three sources (which was a local source). From the other two sources, the snails would not eat it. They all looked identical (to me).

 

[Zero Cool]

Hmm, that's really weird. Guess I got lucky with the turbos from my LFS!
Wonder why some will and some won't eat it..

 

[dmarkham]

Turbos and a Yellow Tang took care of mine.

 

[Patterson117]

Turbo's also....

 

[RVANANO]

Ditto for me. I just found this info out last month as well. Although they have been in there for a few weeks and some of it is coming back. I keep placing the turbos directly on the patches of algae. But they are deep in the rock so I don't think the mexicans can get to some of it

This algae is spawned from Satan!!!

 

[mcgyvr]

That fluffy red algae is pretty..

 

[Zero Cool]

That fluffy red algae is pretty..

Want some? I'll make you a great offer! :lmao:

 

[RVANANO]

Just don't try manual removal. When you do, it will come back 10x's over. Even when you try and siphon the spores. That stuff may be one of the better looking algaes but it's pure evil and is a PIA to get rid of!!! Way worse than Bryopsis or GHA.

 

[acropora1981]

Same results here; mexican turbos destroyed that stuff in just a weeks time. Word to the wise: dont get many. I put five in a 28g, and two died within 3 weeks of the algae being gone, I assume from starvation. Poor little guys. The other three seem to be ok, but they are smaller.

 

[Zero Cool]

RVANANO - Yeah, I've noticed that, but I have had to pull the stuff out so it doesn't smother all of the corals. Definitely a PITA.

acro - That sucks. I only added 3 but one seems to have disappeared already. Hopefully the two can get the job done and become permanent cuc members.

 

[strike2867]

Foxface took care of mine within days of being in the tank.