Help/Advice request. LFS sold us trochus snails covered with Red Turf Algae

King Neptune

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Dec 27, 2025
Messages
47
Reaction score
75
Location
St. George
What state or country do you live in
Utah
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Our LFS sold us Trochus snails with Red Turf Algae. Unfortunately I didn't notice until after they were put in our new display tank. We were acclimating shrimp at the same time in a darkened room so we didn't catch the issue until the next day when viewing the Trochus under better lighting in our DT. The problem snails were promptly removed. Now I'm very concerned about preventing RTA in our tank. What precautions can I take? Here's a pic of one of the snails.
RTA_Snail1.JPEG
 
Our LFS sold us Trochus snails with Red Turf Algae. Unfortunately I didn't notice until after they were put in our new display tank. We were acclimating shrimp at the same time in a darkened room so we didn't catch the issue until the next day when viewing the Trochus under better lighting in our DT. The problem snails were promptly removed. Now I'm very concerned about preventing RTA in our tank. What precautions can I take? Here's a pic of one of the snails.
RTA_Snail1.JPEG
Just get a sharp knife and scrape it off, rinse, and put back. I do it all the time on snails and frag plugs. It's simple and works!
Urchins help control it also. I have one in every system.
 
So far, in addition to removing the snails, I've done a partial water change. I've also added some MicroBacter Clean and ordered some Brightwell Razor Marine. I'm running a UV sterilizer and keeping my lights low. It's a 180-gallon newly cycled tank. So far, I only have fish, a cleanup crew, and my rockscape. Am I right to not be happy with being sold snails covered with red turf algae? Or am I just a dumb newbie who doesn't know the ways of the reefing world? LOL

I know I don't want red turf algae in my tank. I can say the shop owner was none too pleased that I said anything and voiced my concerns. The owner got very defensive and basically told me not to come in again.
 
IMO, nothing to worry about. Likely causing more issues with all the additives than what you describe as "red turf algae". Be patient and let things happen on their own time. Turn you lights back to normal. Your tank will go through many phases as it settles in and matures.
 

TOP 10 Trending Threads

IF A LONGER TRIP GETS UNEXPECTEDLY EXTENDED, WHAT’S YOUR BACKUP PLAN FOR THE TANK?

  • I keep an experienced reefer friend on call who can check in and cover extra days

    Votes: 2 12.5%
  • A non-reefer friend or family member can follow my instructions

    Votes: 7 43.8%
  • Automation and remote monitoring should buy me time

    Votes: 7 43.8%
  • I have a local aquarium service or store I can call

    Votes: 1 6.3%
  • I don’t have a real backup plan. So, yes, I’d be sweating

    Votes: 4 25.0%
  • I don't wanna think about this question. La la la la la la...

    Votes: 4 25.0%
  • Other (Post in the comments)

    Votes: 0 0.0%
Back
Top
Home
Post thread…
Market
What's new