Removing Macro From Frags

[Bmgrocks]

Best way of removing various macro algae from frags? any tips, tricks or techniques?

BTW 5 Gallon Tank. Foxface/Tang OUT of the Question.

 

[Reef Bass]

Tweezers, soft toothbrush. I've also tried a hydrogen peroxide dip but it was very harsh and the polyps closed up for a couple weeks.

 

[MikeandNicole]

+1 on the tweezers and toothbrush, have used both for success. What is your maintanence on the 5 gallon tank? Are there any fish in there. The less nutrients the less algae. Have you identified the type of algae?

 

[Bmgrocks]

Just recently set up, about 3 of the frags, that i've recently aquired have some macro algae on it, one has some caulerpa on it, (easily tweezed off I'm assuming)

and one has this red string/plant stalk like macro on it.
I've seen it on numerous wild aquaculture colonies.

As far as maintenance, weekly 1g wc's.
Only have a peppermint shrimp, 1 Astrea Snail, and 4 Hermits.
Think a fish will be added down the line.

 

[MikeandNicole]

Only reason I was asking about the type of algae was to make sure it wasn't the evil bryopsis algae. 1 gallon a week is nice as well to keep the nitrates down.

 

[chucktd321]

byropsis is quite evil! lol If you tweeze byropsis off you HAVE to make sure you do it outside the tank and make sure it doesn't go back in the tank. Tends to grow even from the little pieces that fall off.

 

[RokleM]

Byropsis is a simple walk in a park in comparison to most caulerpa.

IMO, clean it up and leave it in QT for an extended period. Removal of the frag from the disk is sometimes a better solution dependent on the situation.