Need Identification of this algae and how to eradicate it

[Markbb]

Hello All,

Some addition to my tank introduced some sort of growth, I am thinking it is some sort of macro algae but I am not sure. I have tried to stay ahead of it by pulling clumps out manually and scrubbing down rock that has it but it is a losing battle and I can see where it can take over the tank. Any info on what might eat this stuff or a treatment I can use to kill it would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[redfishbluefish]

Need a better picture….but through the fuzziness, my first guess would be bryopsis.

HERE’s a link to the different algae we may see.

 

[Markbb]

Thanks Paul, Looking at that link it most closely matches Caulacanthus Ustulatus. The algae I have has the same spiky appendages once this gets into rock it goes in deep. What is the best method of getting rid of it.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I’ve never had the problem, but I would begin with housekeeping….get the nitrates and phosphates as low as possible. …..Multiple water changes, heavy skimming, using a phosphate remover, etc.

Hopefully others will chime in who have direct experience. I know some have used very high magnesium to get rid of hair algae. Don’t know if it would work with red algae.

EDIT TO ADD: Found THIS over on RC.

 

[downbeach]

Ultimately you have to get your nutrients down, as Paul said. You could try some Mexican Turbo's to help graze off what is visible.

 

[sjfishguy]

If it soft and flimsy out of water it may be Caulacanthus ustulatus, but if it is pretty hard, spikey, and kind of brittle, it is probably Ochtodes sp. People actually sell it because it is bright purple (I had some at one time), but it breaks off easy and gets everywhere and starts to take over. I finally got rid of all of mine manually with tweezers (yeah, pulling every last little piece out over a year), but tangs will eat the stuff too.