cleaning a rock...

Is it Asperagopsis algae?

I had a rock that seemed to always get algae all over it, I used to scrub the heck out of it with a stiff wire brush and it would always come back. It was tenacious!

Put a couple of tangs in the tank, they wouldn't touch it. Changed my lights, seemed to help a little.

Then I got all my water parameters back in line and added a DI filter to my RO system, did several date changes, added some phosguard and GFO to my reactors and I'm pleased to say that after 6 months it's still gone.

Good luck with your battle - I personally wouldn't dare use any chemicals (Hydrogen Peroxide seems harmless enough) because I wouldn't want to kill the life thats inside the rock, but that's me.

I think the best way to really get rid of nuisance algae is to starve it with nutrient export - a healthy ball of Chaeto or other macro algae and silicate/phosphate removal helps a bunch!

Your description is exactly how I would describe it.
You are doing well to have contained it to one spot in the tank.
Pacific Turbo Snails are usually hungry for Asperagopsis. These are not the Margarita but the larger Turbo Snails usually around 1-1.5" size. Not zebra turbos - too large. One is all you'll need.




Edited by Mark Peterson - October 20 2011 at 7:54pm

Almost any LFS can have them. Fish-4-U had some when I needed one a few months ago for the very same reason.

I've used hydrogen peroxide...and use it regularly to prevent algae in my tanks as part of my normal QT procedure.

Edited by Reef'd Up - October 21 2011 at 8:35pm

As discussed a million times before, I'm a perfectionist when it comes to reefing, and I don't have time to deal with pests & pest algaes.  I don't know why we have to keep rehashing that we do things differently.  Say what you do, and what you do differently Mark...but there's no reason to point our differences specifically.  Anyway, there are plenty of red macroalgaes that do not become pests (Agar, Gracillaria, etc.)

Reef'd Up wrote: As discussed a million times before, I'm a perfectionist when it comes to reefing, and I don't have time to deal with pests & pest algaes.  I don't know why we have to keep rehashing that we do things differently.  Say what you do, and what you do differently Mark...but there's no reason to point our differences specifically.  Anyway, there are plenty of red macroalgaes that do not become pests (Agar, Gracillaria, etc.)   The person posting can spend a couple bucks on a snail and some time driving up the LFS...and keep battling it like he has been.  Or, he can spend about the same amount of money and time (maybe a bit more), and be done with it.  He's obviously sick enough of it to be considering hydrogen peroxide, which means he probably wants a bit more of a permanent solution than a snail.   As far as saving the Favia and throwing away the rest of the rock...I wouldn't.  The rock you could save by what I mentioned above.  No point in throwing away some reef rock...recycle it!  It's a tiny piece that won't have to be re-farmed from the ocean.   Seriously Mark, please stop purposefully bringing me up in all of your posts to go against my opinions.  We both differ in our styles of reefkeeping, and that's fine.  You just don't have to bring ME up specifically (or anyone else for that matter) and keep rehashing how different we are.  Say your opinions and leave it at that.  Everyone else, I'm sorry to address this publicly, but I'm sick of it.

 First off I would like to say that I tried to send you a pm and for some reason it would not allow  me too :(.

 I feel your frustrating sista . I have been on your end of Marks relentless nit picking and mentioning of my name in his bashing of what he does compare to what I do blah blah blah. I am not one to sit here and tell you " Bad girl", for saying something. Actually I applaud you. Once again Mark is getting comfortable enough on the board to start with his antics. Personally I get really tired of it too. Everyone has different ways of doing things and that is what is beautiful about this board, to be able to gather as much information as you can and deal with it in the manner you find is best for you. Once again Mark finds it necessary to exert his opinion harshly. Mark has a tendency to do this to women I am telling you.

 Mark, last time I checked there was not a book out there saying " Marks Bible of Reef Keeping", so please try and keep your "Godly' opinions in check.

 Nikki, once again I am sorry if you were offended or singled out, sadly it happens more often then not with this particular person.
 Pam

+1 on reef'd up and ptronsp.
It does get annoying just like the badgering he was tryin to give snowsrf and of coarse it was erased and swept under the rug when people stood up against him (like always).
There is a small few like 3-4 on here that like to do that but not as much and often. I agree say your spill and go on.

I have used peroxide on zoas when really having a hard time with them and it has worked. It was a last resort thing. I lost some but saved some also but if I wouldnt of done it prolly would of lost them all.

pam you have to re-type reef'd ups name in the sent to part think it is because of the ' in there name.

Mark Peterson wrote: My apologies. I meant no offense. I respect different ways of keeping aquariums. My statement was just a different way to say that I disagree with the use of Hydrogen Peroxide, especially in this situation where saving the coral seemed to be paramount. Again, I am sorry for any offense it caused.My tanks look different than most, especially in recent years, but I sure made a good profit on them.

Mark, do you notice a trend in the way you post, approach people on this board, finding yourself apologizing when someone with the cajones calls you on stuff like this?

Each time, you act like it's your first offense. Theres tons of people that are tired of it, and only a handful who will stand up against your ways. You live in a beautiful place that would be very conducive to some reflection, before hitting that reply button.

It takes a big person to admit fault or swallow critisism, and although we exist here in an open forum where people are free to say what they feel like saying, it sometimes comes across wrong.

Even with BBcodes and smileys email, boards and text are so hard to convey emotion and sincerity since there is no tone, body language or inflection. Even if Mark had been being sarcastic or giving someone a little nudge there's really no way to know for sure. Even though I've only been on this board a short while, I was a WMAS member long ago and although we never really kept in touch, I've known Mark for years. And while we do all have different tanks and different opinions and approaches, one must admit that for the most part, his intent is to help and offer info and knowledge to anyone who asks. He may come across strong or as a know it all to some, I take what he suggests, pass it through my own internal filters and use what I will.

Whether any one of us has had a run-in with him or disagreed with his advice fervidly, the bottom line is we are all here to share, learn from each other and each others experience and help further our knowledge in this awesome hobby! It makes me sad to see and read the bickering and finger pointing. It's counterproductive.

Most of us know Mark and have seen his tanks, and whether or not you like them or his approach to reef keeping, you have to admit that he's been pretty successful with his methods, although that's not to say that anyone else's methods are better, worse or even more correct. Every one is entitled and should express their opinions and advice, as long as its done respectfully an constructively I for one am all for it.

If I don't like someone's approach I'll call them out, as some have done here, but after that, we move on with what we learned and go back to sticking our hands back in our own unique slice of the ocean, hopefully appreciating the fact that we have this awesome modern means of sharing and furthering this hobby via this great club and message board!!

Now back to cleaning that rock!