Banner image

Crazy Macro Algae (1 Viewer)

mjoener

mjoener

Former: kmjoen230
Joined
Feb 28, 2008
Messages
672
Location
Eden Prairie, MN
So I have this wierd Macro algae, i think , growing in my tank, it has become an extreme nuisance.
Everytime I pick it it grows back in the same spot about 5 times as much and also appears to have moved over an inch.
This has been spreading for a long time now, I thought it was high phosphates so I got some Chemi-pure elite running. 2 bags in my 65 g RedSea Max. aka 250 RSm.

Also, on a side note, I think the lights I have may have had something to do with it, I switched from the stock bulbs in the RSM, which are like 3 white and 3 blue to KZ lights and just about 75% of my coral bleached and melted away.
I am phasing them out and putting the RSM lights back in but I wonder if it is even the issue.

Any ideas?
 
Can't help you without a description or a pic.
 
DSCN1812.jpg


DSCN1811.jpg
 
It's tough to see on the tiny cell phone screen, but it looks like bryopsis. Try elevating mag with Kent Tech M.
 
Please ignore previous language in this post. I am not an algae expert.
 
Last edited:
Fishmonger70 said:
Hair algae. I had it growing quite well on one side of my tank. I bought a yellow Tang and a few days later it was mostly gone.
Click to expand...

I am pretty sure it is not hair algae, but thanks for the opinion, hair algae is more dense and much greener, almost like grass.
 
It is too light green to be chaeto

What about the corals bleaching?
Is it the lights that did me in?

I only had the stock lights running for maybe only a month, maybe two, could the KZs be that much of an improvement in par that it was too much of an increase?
 
A spotted sea hare would take care of it, but I really doubt your tank is set up for it. Urchins *May* help with this problem but could cause others.

*depending on the actual ID of the species of algae and the type of urchin you get.
 
Last edited:
Fishmonger70 said:
Sorry, I guess I'm not an algae expert.
Click to expand...

No apology needed here friend! :beerchug:

Thanks for everyonews input.

I had a seahare for a good month, but it passed away, I think because there wasn't enough for it to eat.
I will try and find another, along with increase my Mag.
 
I've the exact same problem. It came in on snails I got :mad:. I tried raising Mag, but I'm chicken to push it because I can't test it (lost that stupid little pointed dropper thing and am still searching). Do keep us informed of your progress!
 
I agree, Bryopsis. Look for a fern like structure at the top of the stalk. Raising Mg does not always work (I've tried). Urchins can help as mentioned. Manual removal is a very good idea. If you can just take anything out that it's on that is the best bet. You can also kill it on small rocks by dipping them for about 10 seconds in 70% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol followed by a quick rinse in tank water (out side the tank) to remove the alcohol. Anything the ethanol touches will die, though I have seen some hardy corals (zoanthids) survive a quick 70% dip.
 
Its not the raising mag exactly. Its more the using Kent Tech M specifically. The current thought is that there is some sort of biproduct or something else in it that actually affects it.

When I did it, the stuff almost turned blue and wilted away.
 
kmjoen230 said:
No apology needed here friend! :beerchug:

Thanks for everyonews input.

I had a seahare for a good month, but it passed away, I think because there wasn't enough for it to eat.
I will try and find another, along with increase my Mag.
Click to expand...

Sea hares are more likely killed by changes in water chemistry. Even topping off too far apart can cause enough stress to kill them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)
Back
Top