Removing algae from Monti cap

[Euphylliaphyle]

Maybe my search brain isn't working yet today, but I couldn't find any threads on this. I have been working to slowly get my phosphate down below 0.3 (from 0.8, weeks ago). Yesterday it was at 0.29 for the first time since I have have been measuring (yay!). Unfortunately meanwhile, some algae has begun colonizing my Monti cap. What is the best way to remove it without harming the coral, or as little as possible? Thank you!

 

[Bartanto]

Monti’s in general are pretty hearty (some say invasive). I’d pluck, scrub or baste off algae to your liking. I’ve taken big rocks encrusted with montis out of the tank and tried to wire brush entire colonies off - they grow back.

 

[MadreeferNJ]

You can directly use 3% peroxide on the algae part and it will eventually turn white and die off.

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

Monti’s in general are pretty hearty (some say invasive). I’d pluck, scrub or baste off algae to your liking. I’ve taken big rocks encrusted with montis out of the tank and tried to wire brush entire colonies off - they grow back.

Thanks. I will try a toothbrush first so I don't need to remove the rock, since there is also a Cyphastrea glued to it.

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

You can directly use 3% peroxide on the algae part and it will eventually turn white and die off.

Thank you. This doesn't bleach the coral flesh?

 

[MadreeferNJ]

It may to the surrounding area but should recover. If you can take it out and dip in peroxide water solution would be even better.

 

[bradreef]

It may to the surrounding area but should recover. If you can take it out and dip in peroxide water solution would be even better.

I agree with this. It is harsh on coral but they recover, I've dipped 100's of Acro's in 20% peroxide 80% saltwater. 1-2 minutes.

Only other options are, manual removal, wait for it to cycle and go away, fluconazole( which can cause other issues)

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Depending where the algae is on the monti, if its on the edge for example, it might be easier to just break that piece off.

 

[56longroof]

Just use a toothbrush. The dip is a little extreme for some algea. I've dealt with the same on SPS. I brushed it off every water change and eventually the new growth chokes out the algea. Be patient.

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

Depending where the algae is on the monti, if its on the edge for example, it might be easier to just break that piece off.

Thanks. It is all over the top surface.

 

[56longroof]

Thanks. It is all over the top surface.

Pic?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Yes can we see a picture please? Algae shouldn't grow on the living coral tissue, algae grows on dead coral

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

Yes can we see a picture please? Algae shouldn't grow on the living coral tissue, algae grows on dead coral

Okay. It will be a couple of hours until I get home.

 

[exnisstech]

I've never had algae grow on a monticap unless part if it died off then it will grow in the dead part so I just break that part off but I've only had it happen once or twice.

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

Taken from above:

And from the front:

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

One more angle:

 

[MadreeferNJ]

Have to say seems like an odd algae pattern to me.