What can I do to control this red turf algae?

[slowhand383]

This turf algae is getting thicker and thicker. I kinda like it in certain sparce areas, and it probaly helps battle my hair algae. However, its spreading and will probaly choke other corals in time. Is there anything I can do to keep it in check. Im worried that if I prune it, it will grow quicker and spread more. One if my hermits graze on it from time to time, but perhaps I should trade my Clarki in for a Lawnmower Bleny. What do yall think? Thanks for any help. Here's a picture.

 

[wsonner]

That's nice looking stuff. Maybe an emerald crab?

 

[GSchiemer]

Sea urchins - Tripneutes gratilla is my first choice.

 

[slowhand383]

I would love to have a sea urchin but am too afraid it will start eating my coraline. Espesialy when its only a 12gal and the coraline is just starting. Are they really as bad as there reputations?

 

[arconom]

My lawnmower blenny never touched it.

 

[GSchiemer]

Urchins will eat some coraline algae, but the algae adjusts. One study showed that coraline algae actually benefits from the urchins removing the top veneer of epiphytic algae. Coraline algae certainly will be more damaged by turf algae than urchin grazing.

Greg

 

[mjschomer]

How's the battle going?

I'm fighting the same stuff in my tank. I've found that your garden variety Mexican turbo snails are pretty good at keeping it under control; but, never completely eradicate it. Unfortunately, turbo snails don't seem long lived in my aquarium for some reason.