Macro Algae in DT

[lolgranny]

I have what looks like thicker hair algae in my tank, but im almost certin it isnt. It looks like some sort of string macro algae, its a light green, feels like a floss more or less. Ive been pulling out what i can. I feed every other day a small amount, only have 4 chromis in the tank. Have 8 acros that are doing amazing, algae growth on the walls / rocks is very minimal except alot of this "stuff" I have a 40g tank otherwise i would invest in a tang. I know the tank is too small for it, but its almost as if i want to get a tiny one until it grows up a bit then take it back to the LFS.

Im lost at how to get rid of this stuff

PICS INCOMING.

Thanks for ANY info.
David

 

[lolgranny]

 

[RedHeckle]

What are your readings for nitrates, ammonia and phosphates? Also how old is your tank?

Yes, I don't think it's hair algae; the other name escapes me. I did have some of this type of algae during month 2 or 3 of my new setup.

Also, depending on what above readings are; I'd suggest cutting back on feeding schedule and perform more frequent water changes.

 

[lolgranny]

0's on the board, tank is 4months old. Using RO/DI water every water change / topoff. Changing water 15% 2x's a month. I think if i cut back on the feeding anymore the guys will starve, im giving them super tiny amounts every other day. I have a huge ball of cheeto in the sump, cant seem to get this stuff out.

 

[lolgranny]

Anyone know what it is?

 

[Paco]

I don't have a name for it but a few Mexican Turbos (2 or maybe just 1) should take care of it. It's not uncommon for newer tanks to have issues like this -- could be phosphates bound in your rocks or other issues. They usually balance out eventually.

 

[lolgranny]

I don't have a name for it but a few Mexican Turbos (2 or maybe just 1) should take care of it. It's not uncommon for newer tanks to have issues like this -- could be phosphates bound in your rocks or other issues. They usually balance out eventually.

I have 4! lol Im worried its Byropsis algae. I scrub the rocks with a toothbrush, blow them off. I have next to nothing on the bare bottom of my tank in terms of algae / debris.

 

[allsps40]

Wow that looks bad. I would test using another kit to confirm results. Cooking the rock for a month or 2 will be the best way to kill all that off IMO. The algea is probably getting its food source from something in the LR. Did you cure it?

 

[djkms]

I have 4! lol Im worried its Byropsis algae. I scrub the rocks with a toothbrush, blow them off. I have next to nothing on the bare bottom of my tank in terms of algae / debris.

I dont think its Bryopsis, at least not like the kind I have. Bryopsis looks more like a fern. Your algae looks more "hairy" and not as defined. Then again I am no algae pro, just dealing with Bryopsis myself.

 

[pbnj]

BRYOPSIS or HAIR ALGAE.

With such a light bioload, I suspect the problem is either your liverock is leaching phosphates or your water has high TDS levels.

After you make sure you're using low-TDS RO/DI water, you can try the following:

-Stop feeding frozen/flake foods and use pellet food only.
-Increase your Magnesium levels to 1500+.
-Try using a product called "TLC for Saltwater Aquariums", which essentially adds beneficial bacteria during water-changes that will compete with the bryopsis for the excess nutrients in your tank.
-Try adding a phosphate reactor; these cost more money, so try this last.

 

[lolgranny]

Wow that looks bad. I would test using another kit to confirm results. Cooking the rock for a month or 2 will be the best way to kill all that off IMO. The algea is probably getting its food source from something in the LR. Did you cure it?

Rock was cooked for 6weeks and was cured for another 6weeks before anything was placed in the tank. I would also like to note there is no natural sunlight getting to the tank. Bulbs are 2months old. 250w halide / 2-65w PC's. Using heavy skimming. 200micron filter socks are changed every 3 days.

 

[lolgranny]

BRYOPSIS or HAIR ALGAE.

With such a light bioload, I suspect the problem is either your liverock is leaching phosphates or your water has high TDS levels.

After you make sure you're using low-TDS RO/DI water, you can try the following:

-Stop feeding frozen/flake foods and use pellet food only.
-Increase your Magnesium levels to 1500+.
-Try using a product called "TLC for Saltwater Aquariums", which essentially adds beneficial bacteria during water-changes that will compete with the bryopsis for the excess nutrients in your tank.
-Try adding a phosphate reactor; these cost more money, so try this last.

Ro/ DI TDS test is reading 0, filters are changed every 3 weeks. Ill go grab some pellet food this week and look into the mag increase. Its possible the rock was seeded with it and it will be one of those things that "time" will take its course. I dont think its hair algae, ive had 3 tanks before. One of which i had BAD hair algae and this feels nothing like it, yes it looks similar but i feel as if it might be something else. If it is hair algae ill get rid of it within time, ive never had Byropsis algae, but am reading up on it as we speak.

Where id this "TLC for Salt Aquariums" bought? I haven't heard of it.

Thanks again,
David

 

[lolgranny]

I dont think its Bryopsis, at least not like the kind I have. Bryopsis looks more like a fern. Your algae looks more "hairy" and not as defined. Then again I am no algae pro, just dealing with Bryopsis myself.

I hope its not, i was thinking its a macro algae at first. Im still unsure, i dont have any fern-like leaves on it, it rather looks like a straight cheeto. ahhhh lol. FAST FORWARD THIS TANK 6months! gogogogogogo :lmao:

 

[lolgranny]

I was just thinking, i have starboard on my BB to ensure a rock doesnt fall / break the bottom. Now obviously there is some water and im sure super tiny particles i cannot see aside from a extremely small amount under there. IS it possible thats part of the issue releasing phos / nit into the water? I wouldnt thing so, but i could be wrong. I dont plan on removing it because i dont want the tank to break if a rock was to fall. Just brainstorming lol

 

[djkms]

Here is what mine looks like

It actually has more "feathers" around the stock when not disturbed, these where pics of it right after I yanked the rocks out of my tank.

 

[lolgranny]

Also, the thing about the algae is its only on the "tips" of the rocks. There isnt any on the inner branches.

 

[lolgranny]

Ya mine dont have any feathers what so ever, feels and looks like floss i would say.

 

[Agu]

You may want to post those pics in the algae forum .

 

[Agu]

Check the pics in this thread.

 

[lolgranny]

You may want to post those pics in the algae forum .

Thank you good sir. done and done.