Red Turf Algae

[jfred90]

I'm hoping someone can give me some thoughts based on their experience...

My tank is being taken over by what appears to be red turf algae. It's probably my fault; I slacked off on the water changes for a bit but have already started getting back in the swing of maintaining the tank.

In the mean time, I'd like to get something to get rid of it. Preferably, something I can pick up locally. I've seen several suggestions from various people but want to know what's worked for you.

What would you guys recommend?

Thanks.

 

[Justin74]

Nothing's 100% but in my experience my emerald crabs love the stuff. Out of the handfull of various macro and micro algae in my tank that has to be by far thier favorite. Would be a long slow process though, kinda like watching the grass grow.
Another thing I would suggest is to use some phosban or rowaphos, whatever you chose it will help curb any phosphates in the water cholumn feeding your nuicant algae. Just carefull to use as directed, as it can pull phosphates very fast and potentially skew alkalinity innitially.

The best method in my opinion for more instant gratification is as much manual removal as possible paired with my other suggestions above.

And all the while think of your silver lining.....It could be bubble algae instead

-Justin

 

[jfred90]

Emerald crabs, eh? Interesting. Various internet resources suggested maybe an urchin of some sort or some Mexican turbo's. I had a longspine urchin at one time; it was a good algae eater but too big for that tank (24g then, 90g now).

I am running Phosban, but I think it was over-feeding along with too small/too few water changes that kicked off this problem.

I'm hoping that increased maintenance will prevent it from growing too much more, manual removal to get the big stuff, and something to eat the rest till it's gone.

 

[Justin74]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11610222#post11610222 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jfred90

I'm hoping that increased maintenance will prevent it from growing too much more, manual removal to get the big stuff, and something to eat the rest till it's gone.

It definately will. Id definately opt for the mexican turbo before the urchin. Great algae eaters, rock eaters, and frag nocker-overs though But so are the mex. turbos, very strong snails and may be surprised what they can turn over as they work up the side of the glass, at least I was Always better results from 1-2 punches rather than putting all your chips on one animal or method. Good luck

-Justin

 

[shiveley]

I have a couple large mexican turbo snails that seem to love the stuff...and the good part about that is that they are able to nip it right down to the rock, leaving virtually none behind. They can clear a pretty large path through the stuff relatively quickly as well. I'd steer clear of the urchins though, as they seem to enjoy coralline algae every bit as much as the problem algaes, if not more.