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View Full Version : Algae I.D./help!!!


nerdz
09-30-2011, 07:44 PM
Hi,

This algae is on its way to taking over my reef.

Anyone know what it is? The closest thing I could find was "Caulacanthus ustulatus" on Melves Reef I.D. page, but no info...

I have a 37g mixed reef w/ 20g sump. Running biopellets for ~1 year, Vertex 100 skimmer, 250w MH w/ new 14k bulb.

phosphates are low"ish", I dont have low reading test kit. I don't suffer from much other algae.

I can manually pull it out, (well not really, I have 2 broken hands and a separated shoulder right now from my other hobby ...).

Are seahares strictly hair algae eaters?

Can anyone recommend a CUC and/or fish to snack on this?

THANKS FOR ANY HELP!!!

nerdz
09-30-2011, 07:45 PM
1 more photo...

phi delt reefer
09-30-2011, 08:11 PM
pull out what you can (get some help i guess). But only do it after you shut down all the flow so it doesnt break apart and spread. Do a big water change and do a lights out for 3-5 days - total darkness. Feed minimally. If its only one rock. pull that sucker out and bleach scrub it. Or just chuck it... replace with a new clean eco-reefer piece.

start running GFO as well - pellets are not great at lowering phosphates, you need to run both usually, IMO.

nerdz
09-30-2011, 10:43 PM
I also found this:

http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=Caulacanthus+ustulatus&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=Oqm&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1024&bih=578&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=a23991mgXhSQLM:&imgrefurl=http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php%3Ft%3D1043835&docid=GXWwpTDnYr_6iM&w=800&h=560&ei=sEaGTs2jLOfTiAL5wvSqDA&zoom=1

Not a game plan, the photo sure looks the same...

Will the corals/RBTA/Clam weather a 4-5 day blackout okay?

Thanks again

nerdz
10-02-2011, 09:15 PM
Anyone else?