Red Cotton Macro????

[CAHamilton]

I have a few little clumps of this red Macro that looks like a cotton ball but not as Dense in my refug. What is it and is it bad??????

thanks
Chris

 

[kmk2307]

Chris,

Read up on Asparagopsis taxiformis. What's growing in your tank is the sporophyte generation (It's also available in gametophyte). I believe it concentrates bromine (or is it boron, I always forget) so it tastes yucky to lots of herbivores... HOWEVER lots of gastropods like to eat it. Mexican or Pacific snails of the genus Turbo may be helpful. Is there less lighting on your 'fuge than your main tank? Do you test your water? If so, what are you nitates and phosphates?

GL and HTH,
Kevin

 

[CAHamilton]

Yes I test my water but I don't test for phosphates . Nitrates are 12.5mg/. Yes my fuge is at 60w verse 380w pc and mh lighting.

 

[kmk2307]

CAHamilton,

If your problems continue you might want to test your phosphates too and try to reduce them if they are high.

Kevin