Brown Fuzzy Algae

reefervt · #1 08/11/2007, 09:27 PM

I have a 75g. reef with below tank sump. I Have had a great looking tank for about two years now. In the last 3 months I have a brown fuzzy algae on my rock and it has spread to my sand bed. You can peel a layer off the sand bed. 1 week ago I did a 25g. water change and may see a small change for the better. Does anyone have an idea as to what it is or how to get it out of my tank?

o.c.d. · #2 08/12/2007, 03:19 PM

If it is Hincksia (Brown hair algae) it's not palatable to most herbivorous fish.Fast growing common in cooler waters.Siphon of substrate. Use phosphate absorbing media and good skimming to limit phosphate.

reefervt · #3 08/12/2007, 03:37 PM

I am not sure if it is brown hair algae. It is about 1/8 inch high. I had my phosphate tested last week and it was fine. I use chem pure in my filter sock. and have an asm 2 skimmer.

o.c.d. · #4 08/12/2007, 04:46 PM

Does it have trapped oxygen bubbles in it . Or is it more turf like or bristley?

reefervt · #5 08/12/2007, 07:53 PM

It is more turf like with no bubbles in it.

dallast · #6 08/12/2007, 10:44 PM

not sure what you have, but i have a similar algae, but mine does have the bubbles.....what is it and what can i do?

thanks.

o.c.d. · #7 08/13/2007, 09:34 PM

Lyngbya wolud be my guess reefervt.It is a type of cyanobacteria, forms turfs on rock,sand. It's not palatable to many herbivores. Usually blooms under nutrient-poor conditions. To control manual removal,Herbivores. Most cynos can be controlled by removing or oxidizing dissolved organic compounds,increased water flow,and limiting dissolved phosphate.So with that said things to check=skimmers working well time to clean whole unit? Phos test wasn't expired or unreliabe?In My tank if I see any cyno I change rowa-phos ,carbon in reactors and it clears up I use cyno kind of like a indicator for cleaning. Hope this helps

Dallast its probably red slime that comes in a brown version it's a cyno to above directions applied.Make sure it is't smothing corals.It can cause black band disease in corals.hermits such as Clibanarius tricolor(Blue legged hermit)May eat it.

reefervt · #8 08/19/2007, 10:06 AM

Thanks for all your help. I have seen some bubbles it it.