Red algae control

[mildew]

I posted this picture in the Marine Plant/Macro Algae forum asking for ID and control and have gotten limited response. Sources indicate fox face rabbit fish (a suggested control) may not be reef safe. I hate to multi-post, but this algae is slowly killing my enthusiasm for reefing. Yellow tang has eaten everything but it. I must hand pull every week or so to keep it from taking over and it continues to spread to new locations because of its fragile nature and ability to attach anywhere. I've searched other forums and sources and looked at multiple pictures; there are over 4000 red algaes. Showed up on FL LR shortly after set up in '05.

 

[mr.wilson]

As the saying goes, "one mans weed is another mans wild flower". In your case it's "one mans nuisance is another mans promotional picture". http://www.tampabaysaltwater.com/thepackage/organisms.html

It's probably a type of gracillaria, and not particularly toxic, compared to other algaes.

I find that naso tangs like red and brown algae. Powder brown tangs (A. Japonicus) seem to like it as well. Foxface are completely reef safe from my experience. Other than their poisonous dorsal spines, I can't imagine what threat they would pose.

 

[Fraggot]

Agreed. Foxfaces are almost always Reef-Safe. Also, if a Kole tang doesn't eat that stuff, i'm not sure what will.

 

[mr.wilson]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8695427#post8695427 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fraggot
Agreed. Foxfaces are almost always Reef-Safe. Also, if a Kole tang doesn't eat that stuff, i'm not sure what will.

Comb-toothed tangs such as Kole tangs, eat slime algae, not filamentous or macro algae.

 

[jdieck]

Try Mexican Turbo Snails. I was trying to grow Gracillaria in my Q tank and they eat it all to my frustration.