Macro Algae ID??

[Bertico78]

This is my fishless Biocube 14.

We've had a bit of a green algae bloom, so my wife and I got a biocube protein skimmer to help remove phosphates. In addition to this I went out and collected three different varieties of macroalgae, for the same purpose as well as to assist the coralline take off. Any idea on what kind they may be?? I did search online to not much avail.

Unknown algae #1. it runs in strings down on the floor of the tidal pools.

Another pic next to my CBS.

This reddish one I can't identify either but the emerald crab is all over it.

This one I know is Halimeda, supposedly beneficial.

Thanks for any input you could provide

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

http://www.melevsreef.com/id/caulerpa_racemosa.html

not sure of the red stuff but you can check here
http://www.melevsreef.com/id/algae.html

 

[crsswift70]

I don't think that's racemosa. But, i'm at a loss as to what it really is.

 

[Bertico78]

Thanks for the input so far guys....do you think this will be enough to eliminate the green algae?

 

[crsswift70]

The problem with caulerpas is their tendency to spread like wildfire (not all of them) and that they can go sexual and release spores. I only intentionally have chaetomorph in my fuge for nutrient export. I'm not sure about getting rid of the green algae, if it's a new tank it could just be part of the normal cycle. Everyone always says find the cause of the excess nutrients to really lick algae blooms.

 

[RicksReefs]

#1 Caulerpa cupressoides
#2 probably Galaxaura sp.
#3 probably Halimeda opuntia

 

[Bertico78]

The tank isn't new. It's been set up for several months (even before it came into our hands) and the algae comes and goes. When the fluorescent bulbs were out for a couple of months the algae was almost totally nonexistent. I did not know about the algae spores.....

I think the main cause for the algae may be the 8 hrs/day of lighting, since we feed the tank very little and change 15% of the water twice a week w/ fresh seawater...

 

[pledosophy]

that's funny I just ordered all three of those.

 

[Bertico78]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13017670#post13017670 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RicksReefs
#1 Caulerpa cupressoides
#2 probably Galaxaura sp.
#3 probably Halimeda opuntia

Thank you SIr!

 

[Bertico78]

I probably won't stock fish in for several weeks (but that's the plan), but I want to have the green algae under control so the coralline can proliferate. I currently add about 3 ml calcium daily for the coralline and halimeda.

Should I reduce the light exposure down from 8 hrs/day? what else could I do to reduce phosphates and nitrates?

 

[Bertico78]

bump

 

[suzimcmullen]

If you get some rock that already has some purple on it, the water changes is enough to do the rest. I am constantly scraping my front glass. In just 3 months the sides and back are about 40% covered. Another 3 months and they will likely be covered almost completely. I change water 2-3 times per week with instant ocean, man made stuff.

Suzi