Algae ID help

[AUMech]

I’m currently battling a Aptasia outbreak and noticed this green algae. Anyone knows what it is? I’m still learning and have about given up am dealing with this Aptasia.

 

[MoshJosh]

Maybe some sort of cladophora. . .

 

[AUMech]

Maybe some sort of cladophora. . .

Any idea on how to get rid of it?

 

[MoshJosh]

Any idea on how to get rid of it?

I am not sure as I have never had this particular algae before. Though my go to strategy for algae is manually remove what you can, introduce CUC that will hopefully eat it (emerald crabs and pitho crabs), and keep water clean.

all that said I think the aptasia is the bigger issue. You mentioned being about ready to give up on the aptasia? What have you tried so far?

 

[AUMech]

I am not sure as I have never had this particular algae before. Though my go to strategy for algae is manually remove what you can, introduce CUC that will hopefully eat it (emerald crabs and pitho crabs), and keep water clean.

all that said I think the aptasia is the bigger issue. You mentioned being about ready to give up on the aptasia? What have you tried so far?

I tried chemicals at first and now have turned to Berghia. They are slowly reducing it but it has spread to the back wall and sand bed. Not sure if I should do a total tear down at this point.

 

[vancouverredsea350]

I’ve used peppermint shrimp successfully quite a few times for aptasia

 

[MoshJosh]

I tried chemicals at first and now have turned to Berghia. They are slowly reducing it but it has spread to the back wall and sand bed. Not sure if I should do a total tear down at this point.

I was going to suggest Berghia, shame that hasn't worked for you are is not working fast enough. I wonder if other aptasia eating critters like peppermint shrimp and aptasia eating files can cohabitate with the berghia?

I hesitate to call anything a "total tear down" but I guess it would depend on a number of factors, namely the time, effort, and cost of fighting the infestation VS starting over.

Hopefully some others can chime in with better advice in this regard. @vetteguy53081 is pretty knowledgeable, maybe he can hlep out.

 

[lwien01]

I’m currently battling a Aptasia outbreak and noticed this green algae. Anyone knows what it is? I’m still learning and have about given up am dealing with this Aptasia.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I’m currently battling a Aptasia outbreak and noticed this green algae. Anyone knows what it is? I’m still learning and have about given up am dealing with this Aptasia.

I see a forest of aptasia and the algae appears to be Chlorophyte or turtleweed algae. The best answer to the aptasia will be a Kleini Butterfly fish which will eat aptasia like candy, then eat all dry and frozen food offered, colorful, friendly and stays small. I will note that a couple of persons who got the blue had their kleini nip zoa. if so- easy sell, or place in sump as aptasia have likely made it down there already

 

[lwien01]

Aiptasia for sure. I got 2 pronged attack
Lysmata Wurdemanni or Peppermint Shrimp: they will eat them like spaghetti
2). Get either a copperband or burgess butterfly. I bought a Burgess and tears them to shreds, gets into The crevices and will hang upside down under the rock literally hunt them and munch until they are gone. Good luck

 

[lwien01]

Forgot. Aiptasia thrive in high nutrients so
Get an over haul on your ro/di system

 

[AUMech]

Thanks for the help. Gonna see if LFS has a butterfly fish.