Algae Identification

[mikeymushrooms]

Hey all reefers! I have been researching but would like your help to I.D. This algae that has been growing, it kind of looks like some kind of Gracilaria algae but not sure. Any idea? Thanks! I want to know if it’s a pest or beneficial

 

[Formulator]

Hey all reefers! I have been researching but would like your help to I.D. This algae that has been growing, it kind of looks like some kind of Gracilaria algae but not sure. Any idea? Thanks! I want to know if it’s a pest or beneficial

Sorry I can’t help with identification, but I will say that there is basically no such thing as “beneficial” macro algae in a display tank. Isolated in a refugium, maybe, but I would get that out of the tank ASAP if it were mine.

 

[DDenny]

Here are a couple that have macroalgae in their displays. As far as an ID not sure.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/macroalgae-tanks.960682/https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/macroalgae-in-main-tank-good-or-bad-idea.1013390/

 

[Formulator]

Here are a couple that have macroalgae in their displays. As far as an ID not sure.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/macroalgae-tanks.960682/https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/macroalgae-in-main-tank-good-or-bad-idea.1013390/

I suppose people do it. I’ve just heard a lot more horror stories than happy endings…

 

[mikeymushrooms]

I suppose people do it. I’ve just heard a lot more horror stories than happy endings…

Ah I see, ive been removing most but keeping them as well just because I haven’t seen any negative affects. My tanks been pretty stable also… 1 year old tank and corals are all happy. It may be unsightly but I do think they do help with nutrient export

 

[Formulator]

Ah I see, ive been removing most but keeping them as well just because I haven’t seen any negative affects. My tanks been pretty stable also… 1 year old tank and corals are all happy. It may be unsightly but I do think they do help with nutrient export

They will certainly help with nutrients, and that’s why people (myself included) have them in a separate refugium. The problem is most are invasive and grow a lot faster than anything else in the tank, so they can completely take over and starve out your corals or just smother them.