Red Turf Algae

[Shooter9er]

well my tank has exploded with red turf algae and also bubble algae. It looks horrible in my eyes but I guess it is really not that bad. I am considering ripping out all of the rock and drying it out and basically starting over with base rock. I can't really think of another alternative that will remove all the algae. This valonia is nasty stuff and is way past the hand removal stage. I know an long spine urchin will help with the red turf algae but that still leaves me with the valonia. So what do you think. If nothing else it is a good excuse to reaquascape.

 

[Weatherman]

You mean this stuff?

Two words....

Virgatus Rabbitfish

 

[Shooter9er]

that looks familiar but mine is more of the short hair variety.

 

[Weatherman]

Like the stuff on the left?

Mexican Turbos would be a good choice.

 

[Shooter9er]

that is it. it has spread quickly and has taken hold even on some of the returns. even if the rabbitfish handles the turf algae I have still got the valonia issue.

 

[cw150]

Emerald crabs will take care of the valonia.

 

[xinumaster]

I second the emerald crab for bubble algae.

 

[Shooter9er]

I have been down that road with no success. I currently have 6 emerlad crabs in the tank with no luck. The tank is a 225 gal and is even beyond hand removal.

 

[Froggy]

I have had great success with the fine short red turf algae by using large Mexican turbo snails. They are fairly large and clumsy but they tear through the red turf.