Randy's Tank and Learn Thread

[sixty_reefer]

I have a theory about the hair algae problem. Both, hair algae and cyanos prefer fresh substrates rich in nutrients (fact, not theory). When for example corals are dying, I think more often cyano and hair algae are the result and not the cause of the problems. I think this is the case here too.

The green coralline algae you have shown some weeks ago are no different species but it is a patch of dead coralline algae. Some of the pigments break down faster and this made it appear dark green. Also the brown batches on your rocks are dead coralline algae that may have died recently. It may or may not be a consequence of the antibiotic treatment. Coralline algae live, like many other algae, in symbiosis with bacteria and archaea for vitamins etc.. Also, at least in their pigments, red algae are very similar to cyanobacteria. Maybe they share other biochemical characteristics also.

The dead coralline algae are fresh substrate enriched and very rich in nutrients. Coralline algae are rich in nutrients "by nature". The GHA are just making use of these nutrients and are the first colonizers. It is a partial "initial phase". After the GHA have used up the nutrients they most likely would disappear like at the end of an initial phase.

This is in my eyes the best explanation I can give about the GHA problem.

Are you referring to nutrients and organic compounds already assimilated and synthesised by the coralline algae? Similar to cold pressed seaweed extracts used in horticulture, where pre existing organic compounds are released from algal tissue. As algae die, cellular breakdown releases these compounds, while microbial remineralisation makes nitrogen and phosphorus available again. Could this localised nutrient recycling contribute to the gha and other nuisances growth?

 

[jonelder68]

Yes, it's under consideration.

Will it eat long algae?

Yes from what my LFS has for a GHA holding tank for them they don’t discriminate and eat all and any GHA. But if the GHA has cyano or any other mix they seem to avoid it.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Yes from what my LFS has for a GHA holding tank for them they don’t discriminate and eat all and any GHA. But if the GHA has cyano or any other mix they seem to avoid it.

Well, no cyano that I can see. This sounds promising. The two refugia also have plenty. There is also chaeto and some ulva growing strong in one of them. Maybe I can shift the balance toward macroalgae.

 

[tripdad]

I have had good luck with blue hypnia(sp) macro. Grew like a weed for me right in the display. Plus its an often missing color in most displays. Same with dragons breath macro.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Are you referring to nutrients and organic compounds already assimilated and synthesised by the coralline algae? Similar to cold pressed seaweed extracts used in horticulture, where pre existing organic compounds are released from algal tissue. As algae die, cellular breakdown releases these compounds, while microbial remineralisation makes nitrogen and phosphorus available again. Could this localised nutrient recycling contribute to the gha and other nuisances growth?

Maybe it’s a change in symbiont density or chlorophyll content rather than just microbial remineralisation.

 

[jonelder68]

Well, no cyano that I can see. This sounds promising. The two refugia also have plenty. There is also chaeto and some ulva growing strong in one of them. Maybe I can shift the balance toward macroalgae.

I consider sea hares last ditch effort. I’d try some (2-3) tuxedo urchins first unless you’re just over it and want a quick fix? The urchins do an amazing job as well. I consider them the conchs of the rocks. Plus you have an abundance of coralline they could survive on after clearing out the GHA.

No cuc in the refugiums I’m assuming also? I have 2 turbos in each of mine to keep it clean along with some blue leg hermits that climb up on the macros. They do a great job. Along with some trochus for some free cuc babies.