Can I have an i.d on this algae/cyano please

hythereef · 04/27/2013, 09:39 AM

Hello id experts.
I have an outbreak of this dark brown spiky stuff every in my 400L mixed reef (five years old). It is even on the sand blowing around like little tumbleweeds. My Koles Tang sometimes has them hanging from his mouth where they are 'hooked' on his lip. But he quickly shakes them off.
I think it is an algae but a colleague says it is a mature form of Cyano. Any ideas?
There is a softer looking more pink coloured one on the rear of the rock in one of the pictures.
Any thoughts gratefully accepted.
The Caulastrea shows it well where you see it is encroaching on the cups.
If it wasn't for this dark menace my tank would look glorious.
For info, I did not have any of this before I started using NOPOX. I don't use that anymore and now have a large Phosban reactor running in sump.

foundnemo11 · 04/27/2013, 09:42 AM

Maybe dinoflagellates google image it and see if that's what you have

SushiGirl · 04/27/2013, 04:52 PM

I don't see any pics.

hythereef · 04/28/2013, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SushiGirl

I don't see any pics.

SushiGirl
Nor can I - I forgot to attach them. Sorry. Thanks for the pointer!

Here they are.

And here is my original question:

Hello id experts.
I have an outbreak of this dark brown spiky stuff everywhere in my 400L mixed reef (five years old). It is even on the sand blowing around like little tumbleweeds. My Koles Tang sometimes has them hanging from his mouth where they are 'hooked' on his lip. But he quickly shakes them off.
I think it is an algae but a colleague says it is a mature form of Cyano. Any ideas?
There is a softer looking more pink coloured one on the rear of the rock in one of the pictures.
Any thoughts gratefully accepted.
The Caulastrea shows it well where you see it is encroaching on the cups.
If it wasn't for this dark menace my tank would look glorious.
For info, I did not have any of this before I started using NOPOX. I don't use that anymore and now have a large Phosban reactor running in sump.

bmullikin1 · 04/28/2013, 05:26 AM

looks like red turf algae, if so mexican turbos and urchins work well.

hythereef · 04/30/2013, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmullikin1

looks like red turf algae, if so mexican turbos and urchins work well.

I wonder what is the best Urchin for the job? Any ideas folk?

MARINECRITTERS · 04/30/2013, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hythereef

I wonder what is the best Urchin for the job? Any ideas folk?

I have tried many animals to eat this algae, none seem to work, even a sea hare.
I could see a sea urchin consuming it though, a pin cushion could do the trick.
Also do you no how to shut off the algaes food source?, maybe less feedings, removing some fish, purchasing a RODI unit ( if you do not have one )
Although I have food this algae to grow in low nutrient environments.

04/27/2013, 09:39 AM	#1
hythereef Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: UK Posts: 25	Can I have an i.d on this algae/cyano please Hello id experts. I have an outbreak of this dark brown spiky stuff every in my 400L mixed reef (five years old). It is even on the sand blowing around like little tumbleweeds. My Koles Tang sometimes has them hanging from his mouth where they are 'hooked' on his lip. But he quickly shakes them off. I think it is an algae but a colleague says it is a mature form of Cyano. Any ideas? There is a softer looking more pink coloured one on the rear of the rock in one of the pictures. Any thoughts gratefully accepted. The Caulastrea shows it well where you see it is encroaching on the cups. If it wasn't for this dark menace my tank would look glorious. For info, I did not have any of this before I started using NOPOX. I don't use that anymore and now have a large Phosban reactor running in sump. __________________ Hythereef. 500L Beta tank, 100L sump. LED lighting unit by Eco KR93-48, Red Sea C skim 1800, TECO 15 chiller with UV. 4 wireless programmed Vortech powerheads. Mixed reef, Phosban reactor. Tetratec

04/27/2013, 09:42 AM	#2
foundnemo11 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 839	Maybe dinoflagellates google image it and see if that's what you have __________________ I am a compulsive liar, and a millionaire. Current Tank Info: 75 gallon mixed reef, mostly sps, bubble magnus skimmer nac5, Reefbreeders Photon48, hippo tang, kole tang, 2 clownfish, 3 chromis, 1 cleaner wrasse, 1 cleaner shrimp, crabs/snails

04/27/2013, 04:52 PM	#3
SushiGirl Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Fort Worth, TX USA Posts: 8,267	I don't see any pics. __________________ Visit my Homepage or "My Albums" (via Profile) for hitchhiker pics. Current Tank Info: 55g softy/LPS tank & 20L reef tank

04/28/2013, 05:26 AM	#5
bmullikin1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: seminole florida Posts: 1,797	looks like red turf algae, if so mexican turbos and urchins work well.