What are filamentous algaes? And Algaefix Marine?
 

What are the most common filamentous algae? And which are the most common that are NOT filamentous algae?

I'm just trying to make sure what I'd be tackling if I tried the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Algaefix Marine product.

I'm on the tail end of a PO4 problem and it seems like the hair algae and maybe a little bryopsys is still hanging on for dear life. I still don't have PO4 to 0ppm yet, but as its going down... it seems like the hair algae is having a growth bloom! After I can test my PO4 to 0ppm or close to it, I was thinking about trying this product out.

Anyway... a list of common filamentous and non-filamentous algae would be nice as well as anyone's experience with API Algaefix Marine.

[url]http://aquariumpharm.com/en_us/index.asp[/url]
[url]http://www.marsfishcare.com/[/url]

That is their site(s).

I called them and they said their relaunching their site in Feb. This was their explanation why this particular product isn't listed.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Ryan

Hi Ryan I graduated Oakland High School in the 'boro, 1981. A hair algae is not a specific term, and is used to describe any finely filamented algae. Derbesia and Bryopsis are common algae in reef tanks and the most likely to be called "hair" algae.

Algaefix is dimethyliminoethylene dichloride and ethoxylate. Its meant for use in freshwater tanks. I'm no chemist but IMO it is potentially harmful to reef invertebrates and perhaps some of your fish. Control of algae in reef tanks is primarily through limiting the nutrient supply, providing directed nutrient uptake (harvested algae in refugia), and grazers. Some reefers use methods that enhance bacterial uptake of nutrients such as vodka dosing and "zeo" products. Things that kill plants directly have the potential to kill some coral, as well, due to the dinoflagelate algae some coral host within their tissue.

If you want to try chemical control of algae research the product Boyd's Chemi-clean, which is intended for marine aquariums and I know has been used in some reef aquariums housing sensitive coral. [url]http://www.aquariumpros.com/p-BOY16714.html[/url] It appears to be a potent oxidizer so I would be cautious in using it and ask or search around on other boards (like the general board or the SPS board) about experience using it in tanks with coral.