What is Purple Algae?

[Shariesue]

I've noticed some very "purple" algae growing on the glass of my tank. Can anyone tell me what it is and should I be concerned about it? Sure would appreciate your replies...

 

[I like Triggers]

it could just be type of coralline, what kind of lighting do you have MH? pc generally grow a more pinkish coralline and metal halides generally grow a purpler coralline just do to intensity of lighting.

 

[Shariesue]

purple algae & lighting

purple algae & lighting

Thanks for your reply re. purple algae. I just use compact fluorescent bulbs....does that tell anything?

I have had a lot of algae but it's better now that I keep my lights off except for 4 hours a day. This purple stuff just started to appear the last month or so.

We are cleaning our tank today so will try to remove some of it at least. Hope i'm doing the right thing.

 

[xtrstangx]

Coraline algae most likely.

Is it hard to get off the glass? If so, then its coraline.

 

[I like Triggers]

coralline usually must be scraped off with a metal blade... coralline is good.

 

[njp14333]

ya coralline is a good algae man. don't worry about it it's a good sign and means that your tank is healthy. but ya it can be scrapped off the glass panes with a razor if its blocking your view of the tank. (if you have an acrylic tank use a plastic scraper).

 

[pennyguy23]

There is also a read slim algae that it might be. It looks somewhat purple. If it just wipes off that would be it. Its a pain. If not just forget I said anything.

 

[Shariesue]

That purple algae...

That purple algae...

Well we cleaned our tank the other day and my husband (using a metal scraper) easily removed that purple stuff. It came off so easily that now I wonder if it's coralline. I have had problems in the past with red algae. I just keep my lights to a minimum to get rid of it. This stuff really looks purple on the glass and not red but then after reading all of your replies, I'm doubtful it's good. I had some pink coralline a long while back...just little spots and it was very hard to scrape off...like paint on a window. This definitely peeled off like nothing. In fact, it seems to float in the water...so weird! Any ideas what causes this stuff or something I can do to control it? I know I do need to buy more snails, etc. and intend to do that soon.

Thanks again for all of your input!! We do appreciate your advice.