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View Full Version : Toxic Alage?? or Good Alage


saltyrockbox
03-29-2009, 07:54 PM
I have an overflow that is full of growing algae and was wondering if it might be harmful or retard coral growth. I know that a few species will release toxins, I don't think this is that type. But here is photo maybe someone can identify the species for me.

The over flow works like a refugium, there are a few pods in there and this algae that I can scoop out once an a while...for nutrient export.

I was covering the top of the overflow to block direct light but I think if this is a safe algae maybe I should help to grow and use it like you would use a macro algae species...

also the fish seem to like eating this algae when I clean out the over flows.

http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt192/jeffawalden/algae-toxic.jpg
http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt192/jeffawalden/algaetoxic2.jpg

thanks

JDigital
03-29-2009, 08:57 PM
Almost looks like regular GHA to me...

saltyrockbox
03-29-2009, 09:16 PM
it is really soft and slimy to the touch, I had some green hair algae in the display before and it seemed to have thicker and strong tissue. I'm not sure.

spreerider
03-29-2009, 09:41 PM
I think most algea that releases toxic chemicals is more of often the platonic type IE red tide and such.

Myka
03-29-2009, 09:44 PM
Looks like HA to me too...it seems to grow in a few different forms.

saltyrockbox
03-29-2009, 09:52 PM
cool ya I've been searching pictures and I agree it s just a type of hair algae and the toxic ones are planktonic mostly. so I'll let it flourish and clean it out of the overflow monthly or what ever.

cool.