Solitary thread algae (more like fine Chaeto than GHA)

[penfold2]

IM 25g Lagoon bare bottom tank started from dry rock, 73 days old now. No fish, just stony coral which I spot feed with Reef-Roids every other day. Phosphate has always tested 0 according to Seachem test kit, which probably just means very low. I had some mild film algae early on that 4 Trochus snails took care of, but I've been battling this other algae for a few weeks now. Trochus snails won't touch it. It grows very long, but in very fine solitary strands, not clumps like GHA. With a macro lens you can see segments like in Chaeto.

I did find one other thread that looked similar where it eventually went away on its own, but mine only seems to be getting worse so far. I've tried pulling it out with forceps and scrubbing the rock with a toothbrush, but it just comes back again. Any ideas what this is or how to treat it? I'm hesitant to add urchins or crabs because of the downsides that come with them, but may consider it. I'm also thinking of getting a few pounds of live rock from TBS to increase my biome diversity.

 

[Lavey29]

So if 4 snails worked for awhile but now they can't keep up then get 8 snails and some hermits. Daily manual removal. You do realize you are going to have various ugly phases throughout the first year right?

 

[penfold2]

So if 4 snails worked for awhile but now they can't keep up then get 8 snails and some hermits. Daily manual removal. You do realize you are going to have various ugly phases throughout the first year right?

I know this may be an ugly phase, but I'm wondering if there is any information on this specific algae. It does not appear to be one of the common nuisance algae for which there is plenty of specific treatment information. Manual removal helps, but doesn't eliminate it, and is a lot of work. My snails worked great on the film algae, but they do not eat this one. I may try a couple crabs to see if they have any interest in it, but I was hoping for some info before adding creatures that may need to be removed if they don't work.

 

[purpfish]

but I was hoping for some info before adding creatures that may need to be removed if they don’t work.

No reason to remove snails that’s something you should have anyways

 

[penfold2]

No reason to remove snails that’s something you should have anyways

No, I wouldn't remove snails, but my Trochus don't seem to have any interest in this algae. I was talking about trying some crabs, but I'm hesitant to add any because I don't know if they'll work on this algae, and there's always the possibility that they'll go after corals if they have nothing better to eat. My tank is pretty algae free aside from this one species.

 

[rtparty]

Does it look like this at all?

 

[penfold2]

Does it look like this at all?

The segments and shape are similar, but the strands of mine are finer than a human hair. Your photo looks much more coarse.

 

[Lavey29]

Just diverse your cleaner crew. Get a few pieces of real live ocean rock to Jumpstart your biome. Raise magnesium to 1500 it helps turn GHA white and easy to remove.

 

[penfold2]

Just diverse your cleaner crew. Get a few pieces of real live ocean rock to Jumpstart your biome. Raise magnesium to 1500 it helps turn GHA white and easy to remove.

Yeah, my searches haven't turned up much for this particular algae. I think I may need to just try some things. I think I'll add a couple hermits and some live rock soon. Maybe try changing from Reef-Roids to Benereef or Reef Chili for some different nutrient input as well. I could try an urchin if I get desperate.

 

[Lavey29]

Yeah, my searches haven't turned up much for this particular algae. I think I may need to just try some things. I think I'll add a couple hermits and some live rock soon. Maybe try changing from Reef-Roids to Benereef or Reef Chili for some different nutrient input as well. I could try an urchin if I get desperate.

Hermits and urchins are great. Just increase as needed so you don't get die off. Limit white light.