film algea bad for coral?

ReefsandGeeks · 12/24/2014, 12:43 PM

I have noticed some film algea starting to groe in my tank where the lighting is strong. Its bright green, and when I scrub it off the glass, I skim wet for a short while and what the skimmer takes out is almost lime green. Grows back in about a day. It is unsightly, but is it a problem beyond that? Will the build up of film algea hurt my coral or fish in some way? I've had a problem with film algea for a week or 2 now, and the coral seemed fine, but I'm on vaca now for a couple of weeks and don't know if I should have the person checking on the tank clean the class or not. I'd rather not in case she cleans too close to the sand and scratches the glass. I'll sorry about cleaning and eradicating when I get back, but don't know if I should worry in the mean time.

Thanks

Joe · 12/24/2014, 02:27 PM

Probably hair algae. It can harm corals if it grows on them, as it will irritate. The fish will not be harmed. Probably high nutrient level in tank, causing green algae.

Joe

gone fishin · 12/24/2014, 03:05 PM

If your just getting the film algae on the glass that is normal. I clean my glass every couple of days.

cloak · 12/24/2014, 03:34 PM

No worries. Your glass is going to look horrible when you get back, but this abundance of algae is not going to hurt anything.

http://www.reefcleaners.org/nuisance-algae-id-guide

12/24/2014, 12:43 PM	#1
ReefsandGeeks Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,708	film algea bad for coral? I have noticed some film algea starting to groe in my tank where the lighting is strong. Its bright green, and when I scrub it off the glass, I skim wet for a short while and what the skimmer takes out is almost lime green. Grows back in about a day. It is unsightly, but is it a problem beyond that? Will the build up of film algea hurt my coral or fish in some way? I've had a problem with film algea for a week or 2 now, and the coral seemed fine, but I'm on vaca now for a couple of weeks and don't know if I should have the person checking on the tank clean the class or not. I'd rather not in case she cleans too close to the sand and scratches the glass. I'll sorry about cleaning and eradicating when I get back, but don't know if I should worry in the mean time. Thanks

12/24/2014, 02:27 PM	#2
Joe Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Amish Country, PA. USA Posts: 978	Probably hair algae. It can harm corals if it grows on them, as it will irritate. The fish will not be harmed. Probably high nutrient level in tank, causing green algae. Joe __________________ I put the laughter in slaughter. Current Tank Info: 120 Gallon Oceanic Tech Tank, Two MP40W Gen 2 Vortechs, H & S A-150-F2001 External Skimmer, Oceanic Model 3 Sump, Current Outer Orbit Pro 250 Watt MH/T5 Combo

12/24/2014, 03:05 PM	#3
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	If your just getting the film algae on the glass that is normal. I clean my glass every couple of days. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

12/24/2014, 03:34 PM	#4
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	No worries. Your glass is going to look horrible when you get back, but this abundance of algae is not going to hurt anything. http://www.reefcleaners.org/nuisance-algae-id-guide