ID this algae please

[Whisperer]

This grew in the middle of my GSP (along with many green hair algae as you can see),

Now, don't say Mickey Mouse algae or I'll shoot :uzi: :rollface:

 

[mastou]

Halimeda

/Magnus

 

[Whisperer]

Thanks. Do halimeda turn completely white at night? This one turns totally white but turns back green when lights turns on. Also, I read that halimeda is a calcium hog. Is that true? Should I get rid of it if it has no function in my tank other than suck up my calcium?

 

[CELACANTHr]

Yep, sorta, and no, it looks pretty.

 

[mastou]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8672489#post8672489 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Whisperer
Thanks. Do halimeda turn completely white at night?

Yes, or at least very pale, Halimeda has a very cool ability, which is that it is able to move its chloplasts (where photosynthesis takes place) deeper into the algae, this enables it to protect the chloroplasts from predators (e.g. slugs)

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8672489#post8672489 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Whisperer
Also, I read that halimeda is a calcium hog. Is that true? Should I get rid of it if it has no function in my tank other than suck up my calcium?

Of cause it depends on how large the algae is, I thought it ate too much of my Ca and ended up removing most. I still remove small pieces when discovered. But that being said Halimeda looks very nice in an aquarium


In Reefkeeping there have been an excellent issue about Halimeda: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-04/nftt/index.php


/Magnus