Macro Algae Control

Entacmaea · May 17, 2002

Hello all, I have some very annoying green/brown leafy macroalgae- the kind that comes on alot of FIJI liverock, and though I manually cleaned the LR, and continue to pick off as much as I can, It continues to grow back. It is not out of control my any means, but every six weeks or so I have to harvest it. Before I put more corals in, I want to be sure the macro algae won't encroach down the line... I am wondering if anyone can suggest any other controls? Other tank specs: 37g (24x18x21), 15g refugium RDP, 15 g sump, 150w HQI 10K MH, IC 660 2x75w VHO, BakPak skimmer w/airstone, Korallin Reactor, hard and soft corals, one Mandarin. Stocking is VERY light right now. 50 lbs LR between tank and fuge, 4"DSB. All peremeters 0, 1.025sg, Ph 8.3-4, DkH 10, CA 450

My tank is too small for a tang, my Emerald crabs wont touch it, and my other clean up crew (Astrea, Tiger Trochus, Nassarius, Nerite, and micro hermits) are not touching it either. Any suggestions?

I have no other problems with algea- -Just can't find something to eat the damn stuff!

Thanks for the help...

Peter

Roach · May 17, 2002

It's too bad they don't have Rent-a-Tangs. I had some of the same stuff in my tank but my Tang really took care of it fast. Too bad you couldn't just borrow someone's tang for a week or two.

Anonymous · May 17, 2002

It seems that you will need to remove it by hand. It will actually be benificial to your tank. It will remove excess nutrients from the tank.

Anemone · May 17, 2002

Sounds like it might be sargassum. If it is, IME, it comes back a few times, but eventually doesn't come back. Too bad, 'cause it's neat looking if kept in check.

Kevin

Entacmaea · May 18, 2002

Yeah, I don't mind it in some places, but on one highest rock, where I plan to put some SPS frags, I fear it would grow faster and shadow the corals... I like the rent-a-tang idea though!

Looks like I am going to get really good with my tweezers

Thanks all!

Minh Nguyen · May 18, 2002

It sound like Sargassum sp. If this is the case, no fish will eat it anyway. Just pull it. Once the tank mature, you won't be able to get it to grow.

Anonymous · May 20, 2002

That was my experience with sargassum too. Had a good patch of it until my tank was 5-6 mos old, then pulled it out and it never has grown back.

My yellow tang seemed to eat it when I first put him in, but quickly learned that there was better stuff to be had.

Mouse · May 20, 2002

Round Three..... Fight.

Ok youve beaten the Cyano's, the Micros are in check and immobile, and finally your left with the Macros. Back to the old school with these, rip em out with your hands. Did some one say underwater gardening, oh dear, i think my borders are growing over. :wink:

Fortunately the Marine environment has many efficient "Gardening types". Tangs being the best for Macros if you have the space. Personally i cant wait to get a tank big enough for a Tang, then all my Macro worries are gone, ahhhhhhhh

Merkur · May 20, 2002

yeah, lemme tell you, i don't have a spot of macro in my display tank. Mr. yellow "the pig" tang takes care of that in quick order. i drop a judicious handfull in from the refugium, it disapears within 10 minuts.

JohnD · May 21, 2002

Be careful when you mention the "Rent-a-Tang" suggestion, the Tang Police might be listening!! 8O 8O :mrgreen:

Anonymous · May 21, 2002

All my Sargassum is gone without a trace. (Apparently chowed down by the microfauna with the live rock) However, it has been replaced by many different assorted caleurpa strains. (At least 6 different types) There is a nice mix of red, green and brown algae along with the purple coralline algae. A brown algae blob has developed at the back of the tank that I recently noticed. (You can't see it from the front, but it's about 3"x3")

I don't think I'd worry too much about the Sargassum right now.

karlas · May 22, 2002

same with me i kept pruning it. it lasted about 4 mths then started dissappearing on its own. now that its gone i have grape capulera and halmedia growing like crazy heres a good article on sargassum

http://www.globaldialog.com/~jrice/alga ... gassum.htm

heres whats growing now

http://communities.msn.com/karlas/tankp ... PhotoID=82

http://communities.msn.com/karlas/tankp ... PhotoID=87

the halmedia has doubled in size since this pic

Macro Algae Control

Entacmaea

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Roach

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