Algae ID

blizzardscout2 · Nov 24, 2020

I’m sure it is a turf algae but I don’t know exactly what it is. It is short growing anf blue in coloration. How would I treat this. Currently using Vibrant 4ml per week in a 34 gallon with sump. Thanks. Sorry that I don’t have a better photo.

CJB · Nov 24, 2020

Has the tank been up a while? Some types of algae actually mean you have a good established tank. And sometimes better to control them rather than completely get rid of them.

ReeferWarrant · Nov 24, 2020

Probably worth noting what your cleanup crew is too.

blizzardscout2 · Nov 24, 2020

CJB said:
Has the tank been up a while? Some types of algae actually mean you have a good established tank. And sometimes better to control them rather than completely get rid of them.

Yeah it’s been up for almost 3 years. I was trying to eliminate it as I run a chaeto reactor and since this stuff started growing the chaeto has suffered. I think you maybe right though I plan on placing more SPS frags on that rock.

CJB · Nov 24, 2020

blizzardscout2 said:
Yeah it’s been up for almost 3 years. I was trying to eliminate it as I run a chaeto reactor and since this stuff started growing the chaeto has suffered. I think you maybe right though I plan on placing more SPS frags on that rock.

When did this start growing?

blizzardscout2 · Nov 24, 2020

ReeferWarrant said:
Probably worth noting what your cleanup crew is too.

A couple hermits. I need to buy snails again as they have all died over the last 3 years except for a few Nassarius snails.

blizzardscout2 · Nov 24, 2020

CJB said:
When did this start growing?

Probably 3 months ago. I’ve been picking at it but it is very difficult to pull off.

CJB · Nov 24, 2020

blizzardscout2 said:
Probably 3 months ago. I’ve been picking at it but it is very difficult to pull off.

How fast does it grow? Since it’s presence does it look like any of your corals are declining in health or your fish are having issues breathing? Do you have any film algae or diode algae on the glass? It seems to me like a type of hair algae. As long as it isn’t slime or growing exponentially causing other issues I think you’ll be okay. Just keep an eye on it and maintain it. Putting corals over it might help get some out.

blizzardscout2 · Nov 24, 2020

CJB said:
How fast does it grow? Since it’s presence does it look like any of your corals are declining in health or your fish are having issues breathing? Do you have any film algae or diode algae on the glass? It seems to me like a type of hair algae. As long as it isn’t slime or growing exponentially causing other issues I think you’ll be okay. Just keep an eye on it and maintain it. Putting corals over it might help get some out.

It is actually a pretty slow grower. It doesn’t appear to cause any decline in health. My zoas are overtaking easily currently from the right side in the photo. I think I will discontinue the vibrant and as I’m starting to have cyanobacteria from it lowering my phosphates too low. I’ll keep an eye on it and my nutrients so it is kept at bay. Thanks

CJB · Nov 24, 2020

blizzardscout2 said:
It is actually a pretty slow grower. It doesn’t appear to cause any decline in health. My zoas are overtaking easily currently from the right side in the photo. I think I will discontinue the vibrant and as I’m starting to have cyanobacteria from it lowering my phosphates too low. I’ll keep an eye on it and my nutrients so it is kept at bay. Thanks

Sounds good man glad to help!