macro help

[pressthebutton]

a few weeks ago this litle spot of macro algae started groing under a rock in my tank. i thought it was cool and just let it grow because it looked good. but it soon stared growing like crazy and is now covering a large rock n the tank.ive tried to pull it off but the little roots are in every nook and cranny. how can i stop this monster from growing over everything?

 

[graveyardworm]

Almost sounds like you have Caulerpa of some sort. Not very easy to get rid of once its become established. Some people have had luck with various Rabbitfish, and Tangs. Some would argue that a 55g tank is too small for these though. The Rabbitfish IMO are much hardier than the Tangs. You may be able to rid yourself of it with diligent removal by hand. An urchin may be of help as well, although I'm not sure what species would work best.

 

[pressthebutton]

is there an urchin that doesnt have an appetite for coralline? if so please tell! and another fish is likely out of the question. So, let the diligent removal begin.



or could i block its source of light using shells until areas arre weakened and then uproot the stuff?

it isnt feather caulerpa. it is a dense type with little thick , round leaves.

 

[graveyardworm]

Check the Algae slideshow and see if anything looks familiar.

 

[pressthebutton]

the "suction cup" caulerpa is what i have.

 

[sunfishh]

Do you have corals? If not you could cover your tank and keep off the lights until the algae died.

 

[pressthebutton]

yep ive got corals

 

[graveyardworm]

Keep ripping it out, and dont let any pieces get awy from you.

 

[reefgrief]

I realize you dont want another fish, but perhaps someone in your area will "loan" you a tang or foxface.. either work will on most macroalgae. ( I have both.) Tangs are hardy, reef safe, acclimate to people working in the tank, and will easily live in a tank as small as 55gal. I place rock in my tang tank, for cleaning. I keep a peppermint shrimp with him, so my apestasia get removed at the same time If you keep the tang, feed him regular pellet or flake fish food ( Mine has even eaten fresh water tropical fish food), and supplement kelp flakes if you dont keep calepera in a refugium to give him.
The only issue you will have with a tang : you wont be able to keep ANY macro algae in the tank with it, but they wont touch hair or slime algae.. Good luck.. hope someone will loan you a tang..( consider taking your rock to the tang tank. its easier than getting a loaner ..)