Macroalgae Problem

wrestle1952 · 08/03/2006, 09:23 AM

I realize everyone has had algae problems at one time or another. I have a tank that's been set up for 8 months. 40 gallon breeder. 250 watt MH 20K, Coralife superskimmer hob, powerfilter with chemi-pure and phosphate remover. The top of my tank is starting to be overun with green sea lettuce. It is definitely a macroalgae. I have two tangs, algae blenny, a variety of snails and crabs and none of those things will eat the stuff. I have been reefkeeping since 1986 and this is the first time I've run into this problem. Who would think macroalgae would be a problem? Im the past tangs and blennies definitely took care of things. This one has me stumped. Anyone have any solutions?

Aquaman · 08/03/2006, 09:39 AM

I've seen this type of algae in a friends tank, not one of his tangs or blenny's would touch it. I would first start with your water, check your filters and make sure their new or their's not a nutrient getting by them.

My friend had to tear down the tank and let the rock soak for quite awhile before that algae went away. As a matter of fact we tore his tank down twice to scrape all of the algae out.

wrestle1952 · 08/03/2006, 12:15 PM

I hope it doesn't come down to that.

renko · 08/03/2006, 02:27 PM

You might try a few Turbo snails. Mine seem to like sea lettuce.

skeeter-doc · 08/03/2006, 03:59 PM

you could always maunally thin it out and give/sell it to others who have tangs and angels or for someone's refugium, ...

08/03/2006, 09:23 AM	#1
wrestle1952 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: San Leandro, CA Posts: 286	Macroalgae Problem I realize everyone has had algae problems at one time or another. I have a tank that's been set up for 8 months. 40 gallon breeder. 250 watt MH 20K, Coralife superskimmer hob, powerfilter with chemi-pure and phosphate remover. The top of my tank is starting to be overun with green sea lettuce. It is definitely a macroalgae. I have two tangs, algae blenny, a variety of snails and crabs and none of those things will eat the stuff. I have been reefkeeping since 1986 and this is the first time I've run into this problem. Who would think macroalgae would be a problem? Im the past tangs and blennies definitely took care of things. This one has me stumped. Anyone have any solutions?

08/03/2006, 09:39 AM	#2
Aquaman Fishinchick's better half Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: St Cloud, FL USA Posts: 2,278	I've seen this type of algae in a friends tank, not one of his tangs or blenny's would touch it. I would first start with your water, check your filters and make sure their new or their's not a nutrient getting by them. My friend had to tear down the tank and let the rock soak for quite awhile before that algae went away. As a matter of fact we tore his tank down twice to scrape all of the algae out. __________________ Tang Police most wanted Outlaw. ORCA Founder Previous tanks, 125,120, 55,37,20, 15, 10, 5 Current Tank Info: 65 reef

08/03/2006, 12:15 PM	#3
wrestle1952 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: San Leandro, CA Posts: 286	I hope it doesn't come down to that.

08/03/2006, 02:27 PM	#4
renko Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 74	You might try a few Turbo snails. Mine seem to like sea lettuce.

08/03/2006, 03:59 PM	#5
skeeter-doc Moved On Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: TX Posts: 1,643	you could always maunally thin it out and give/sell it to others who have tangs and angels or for someone's refugium, ...