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SFReef 
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 Topic: Algae help
Posted: February 04 2017 at 1:27pm |
I have had an algae problem with grape caulerpa overrunning my tank. I have done lots of water changes and pulled most out. The brown algae you can see took over then and is clearing up some. Now I have this algae. Can anyone tell me what it is or how to get rid of it? 
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1stupidpunk
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Posted: February 04 2017 at 1:31pm |
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It's hard to tell from the picture, but it looks like i might be bubble algae?
In my opinion the way to beat any algae problem is the same. Reduce the source of the nutrients, feed less, skim heavier... Also adding algae to the sump (if you have one) will help reduce the available nutrients, let that algae grow someplace else!
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shaggydoo
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Posted: February 04 2017 at 1:37pm |
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I agree, it is hard to tell from this picture. It looks like air bubbles are forming from some kind of cyano or slime algae. I've found increasing water flow can help clear this up as does growing some kind of macro algae in your sump/refugium. I prefer chaeto as do most I believe.
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60g LPS Cube
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Zack801
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Posted: February 04 2017 at 1:39pm |
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If it's bubble algae try an emerald crab!
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Mark Peterson
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Posted: February 04 2017 at 2:17pm |
Okay first, the Caulerpa overran the tank because it was eating up lots of excess nutrients that the biofiltration capacity of LS and LR was not able to handle. Second, ripping out the overgrown Caulerpa opened up the opportunity for other algae.
This new stuff looks like Cyanobacteria and now it's taking up the slack, eating the excess nutrients. So this is a tank with too high nutrients for the available biofiltration.
If the root of the problem isn't found, like why is there so much nutrient/pollution, anything we suggest might only be a band-aid. Can you post a pic of the tank and tell us a little more about the it? More info will help us help you: tank size, how long it's been set up, what rock was used, how many fish, fish feeding, and what the Alk and Ca levels are.
Aloha, Mark  |
Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks:www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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evan127
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Posted: February 04 2017 at 3:07pm |
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The red looking stuff could be gelidium or cyanobacteria. I have always been against chemicals, but Chemiclean rid my tank of gelidium in the past.
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SFReef
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Posted: February 04 2017 at 8:27pm |
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Thank you for all the responses and help. I know what the problem was for the grape caulerpa and the brown stuff (which I am sure is cyanobacteria). Those are clearing up with more water changes and decreased feedings. This new algae showed up, though, and that is what I am wondering about. I know it isn't a great picture but it is not bubble algae either. The heads have almost a mushroom shape and are about a quarter to half inch in diameter. Any ideas?
Thank you
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1stupidpunk
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Posted: February 04 2017 at 8:39pm |
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Try looking up teacup algae (Acetabularia)
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Adam Blundell
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Posted: February 04 2017 at 8:56pm |
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No way that's acetabularia,I pay money for that, so send it to me.
Agree with Mark above.
Adam
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1stupidpunk
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Posted: February 04 2017 at 10:02pm |
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people also pay for grape caulerpa
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SFReef
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Posted: February 05 2017 at 6:11am |
Not sure. It could be that. I took some out so I could get a better picture. Maybe this will help? 
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Mark Peterson
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Posted: February 05 2017 at 8:05am |
Ahhh, yes. That is the same Caulerpa that has been growing in one of my systems for the last 3 years. Along side this algae in that system also grows C. prolifera and C. mexicana. Adam and I are pretty crazy about algae. The weird thing about this Caulerpa is that it can actually change shape according to conditions. I believe it is scientifically designated C. racemosa. It can grow as cups or balls.
Aloha, Mark |
Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks:www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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1stupidpunk
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Posted: February 05 2017 at 8:58am |
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That algae would still be very beneficial if you put it in your sump... If you really dont want it I will take some of your hands.
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SFReef
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Posted: February 08 2017 at 5:28am |
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I think this will go in the sump then. Thank you all very much for your help.
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