Algae ID

squawk1200 · 07/29/2020, 01:56 PM

Hi all,

I thought I had dino’s, but it looks like some sort of algae. It’s soft and fleshy. It looks like my blue tang likes it, but it’s spreading and I want it gone. Any help is appreciated.

Michael Hoaster · 07/30/2020, 11:47 AM

My guess is cyanobacteria. One possible solution is to manually remove it every other day for a week, then hit with a 3-4 day blackout/chemiclean combo punch. Follow that with manual removal of any remaining, then a large water change.

That's a fix, not a cure though. You need to look at imports (feeding) and exports (skimming, macro algae pruning), to get the nutrient levels right for your system. Also competition like macros, and predation with snails, plus lighting and water movement, can all have an effect.

Hope this helps. Good luck! And welcome to RC!

07/30/2020, 11:47 AM	#2
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	My guess is cyanobacteria. One possible solution is to manually remove it every other day for a week, then hit with a 3-4 day blackout/chemiclean combo punch. Follow that with manual removal of any remaining, then a large water change. That's a fix, not a cure though. You need to look at imports (feeding) and exports (skimming, macro algae pruning), to get the nutrient levels right for your system. Also competition like macros, and predation with snails, plus lighting and water movement, can all have an effect. Hope this helps. Good luck! And welcome to RC! __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018