Algae in Alveopora polyps

[ellebelle]

I noticed that I have a little bit of hair algae growing between a few polyps on my Alveopora. It's only on one area, and it's not spreading, but I can't seem to get it out. It doesn't seem to be bothering the corals as the polyps continue to be fully extended. But I feel like I want to get it out. I've tried sucking it out with a turkey baster, blowing it off with a turkey baster, and pulling it off with a pair of tweezers, but it won't budge. It's really stuck in there.

Any other tips or ideas?

 

[reefman]

toothbrush?

 

[ellebelle]

You don't think that would harm the other polyps?

 

[Deanos]

If algae is growing on the alveopora's skeleton, the coral is already dead at that location.

Turkey baste the alveopora until it completely closes, then remove the algae by any means necessary.

 

[cali_reef]

Tweezers and use caution..

 

[reefman]

maybe trim it so it's narrow to reach only the algea
any pics?

 

[ellebelle]

It's odd - the algae is growing all around where one polyp comes out - but that polyp and all the ones around it are extending just fine. I believe you when you say that area is dead - that was my feeling as well. So, is it possible that the skeleton died in the one place, but it didn't affect the polyps?

It's hard to photograph - I can only really see it when the polyps are closed. My lights just went off - I can try and get a pic tomorrow morning right when the lights come on and the polyps aren't out yet.

 

[reefman]

i dont quite understand your last line.
dead skeleton= no polyps
i think this is a case of "a pic is worth a thousand words"

 

[ellebelle]

Dean said that the reason why the coral would be collecting algae at the location is because it is dead there. That makes perfect sense to me.

But the polyps are still all extending. So, maybe it's dying, but it hasn't gotten to the polyps yet?

I've attached a photo from a few days ago where you can see the alge between all of the extended polyps. it's collecting a bit of cyano too.

 

[reefman]

o i c
its just what deanos said. i have heard that if conditions r right, it may regenerate.

 

[Deanos]

In my experience, alveopora grows outward from the colony and doesn't regenerate or overgrow its own dead skeleton.

 

[reefman]

i guess its like a middle age man with a bald spot


btw: i'm not the president n i'm not a client

 

[DevIouS]

IMO:
That Alveo is bleached.

 

[digitalreefer]

It's not bleached... just a very pale color difficult to capture in a photo. It's always had a light creamy color.

 

[DevIouS]

just a very pale color = bleached

Again...this is my opinion & my experience with Alveoporas.
You can see slightly more colored polyps underneath being shaded by the top extending polyps.
It will recede slowly. The algae growth is the first sign.




Edit: It is bleaching

 

[digitalreefer]

The polyps on top catch the light and blow out the white balance on the photo. It's a pretty uniform color.

 

[DevIouS]

Ok...nevermind.
I said my peace.

It has a dead spot for a reason.


Good luck.

 

[ellebelle]

It looks a lot better now than when I got it from the lfs - the petals have gotten darker and I've gotten a lot better polyp extension. The algae growth has been there since I bought it. I was going back through my photos and saw it in one of the first photos I took right after I brought it home ... just didn't notice it at first (this always pissed me off - I need to learn to be a better inspector in the store).

Here's a photo of it the day that I got it. You can see the algae already growing in there. The coloration has actually gotten better from when I took this photo - I think it looks really bleached here. Despite an increase in color, I think it will color up even more over time (assuming it makes it). The algael growth has gotten more pronounced, though has not spread at all.

Phil and Dean, as people who have successfully kept one of these for quite some time, I value your input. I will clean and photograph tomorrow and see what you think.

 

[DevIouS]

It's not bleached-

OK guys.......

Not going to debate....but this is your first Alevo & you've only had it a month.

It lighter than when you first got it.
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=18814&stc=1&d=1171761085

I understand you puchased it with dead spots on it.....but I'm telling you, it will recede in time.
It's bleaching. I've experienced it. Yes, the polyps will extend for some time in that condition.
Take my advice for what's it worth (nada).

Peace, love & happiness.

 

[DevIouS]

Phil and Dean, as people who have successfully kept one of these for quite some time, I value your input. I will clean and photograph tomorrow and see what you think.

Aww shucks....

Yes better pics, please.

Get to it Eric!:screama: