Is this algae? What kind is it?

[virginiadiver69]

I tried to take pics but my photography skills are about as good as my reef keeping skills. So I will describe as best I can.
It is a new tank just completing it's cycle. I have about 60 lbs of Pukani rock. Some of the rock has started to grow what looks like algae. It is sort of greenish brown and turf like. The individual "stalks" (for the lack of a better term) are hair like and about 1/16th " long.
I am also noticing a lot of a white powder covering the majority of the rock now. I am sure this is common and to be expected. What should I do if anything. There is no livestock incl. clean up crew yet. Would a few snails help this?

 

[alan214]

Unfortunately, the algae sounds like a lot different things. It'll be had to say for sure without a pic.

As for the powder, I suspect it's detritus but need more info. Do you blast your rocks with a turkey baster or a powerhead occasionally?

 

[virginiadiver69]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9229599#post9229599 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alan214
Unfortunately, the algae sounds like a lot different things. It'll be had to say for sure without a pic.

Is their a good all perpose "algea eater" that I can add to the tank (clean up crew not fish yet).

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9229599#post9229599 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alan214

As for the powder, I suspect it's detritus but need more info. Do you blast your rocks with a turkey baster or a powerhead occasionally?

No, I guess I should though, Huh?

 

[virginiadiver69]

bump

 

[alan214]

Well, it's really best to suite the fish/invert to the type of algae. I woukd not consider there to be a "general purpose" algae eater except for the Tang family. Even then, they are hit or miss on eating ANY algae in your tank.

A lot of people depend on Sea Hares to get rid some types of algae but you really need to know what kind you have first.

Most importantly, you need to know what is causing your particular kind of alge to grow in the first place and eliminate that cause.