purple algae

[dcv82]

Anyone have any idea of what type of algae this is and what solutions there are for controlling it besides the phosphate filter route that I have in place now. I also have a purple, sailfin and naso tang that don't seem to take a whole lot of interest in it. It is purple/deep maroon red in color, grows in a spider web fashion and grows tight to the rocks only sticking out about a quarter of an inch or so.

Thanks

 

[coralnut99]

Picture's lacks some detail, but is this something like a rock-hugging and dense algae?
You could try posting in the marine plants forum. You should get some info there.
My hawaiian sailfins keeps any and all macros from spreading an inch. Macros have gotten onto some pieces in my prop system, and I just move pieces into their tanks for scrubbing. Is yours a Desjardins?

 

[erbio]

Its red lime. Not all red slime is, ... red.

 

[erbio]

Cyanobacteria, no fish or snail is going to eat it.

Once you pop the bubbles it becomes stringy/waving right?

Get yourself some chemiclean.

Otherwise you can do some water changes.

This is happening most likely because you're using tap water.

 

[InLimbo87]

I would also have to agree with the red slime. What is the flow setup in your tank like? I've found the only times I've ran into this problem algae in the past was when I had a lack of flow and several dead spots in the tank.

 

[coralnut99]

I thought cyano too, but the "spider web" description made me think twice. Cyano forms a film that smothers stuff, and the picture doesn't quite fit that bill.

 

[dcv82]

coralnut99 - yes it is rock hugging and turf like thanks for the tip on posting in the other forum. My sailfin is not a Desjardins

As for it being red slime I don't think it is. I have had that before and this stuff is not slimy has no bubbles and doesn't appear on the sand only on the rocks. As for flow I have three big Tunzes in a 5ft 180 so I think I have that pretty much covered.

Thanks

 

[erbio]

I still believe it is red slime but may also be dinoflangellates

 

[erbio]

see this pic: