lichen like algae

[4ptbuck]

In my tank I have this algae that looks exactly like lichen/moss.
It doesn't grow too fast, and is a pale green colour.

Does anybody know what this is, and how to get rid of it?
My sailfin tank doesn't eat it, nor the snails, nor the lettuce nudi.


thanks
4pts...

[Nuhtty]

As you are siphoning water from the tank for a water change, scrape the algae off the rock with an algae scraper or a stainless steel blade. Make sure the debris you scrape off gets siphoned out.

Also make sure you water params are OK, especially phosphate. Hope youre not using tap water, either

[4ptbuck]

I've tried toothbrushing while siphoning. That's a loosing battle.
Currently I am just using DI water. Will be investing in an RO system soon.

Do you have any idea what this is called, so I can do a little more researching?

4pts...

[drjrose]

Can you tank a picture of it?

[aujosh84]

sounds like coralline algae to me. I've heard people having it in all different colors.

[4ptbuck]

I could take a picture, but not sure how to host it.
I looks exactly like moss/lichen that you'd fine on trees in the bushes.

[drjrose]

Originally posted by 4ptbuck
I could take a picture, but not sure how to host it.


Go to photobucket.com and set up a free account. When you upload the picture allow them to resize the image so that it won't be too big for Reef Central. You can select the IMG picture's link and paste it into your posting.

[4ptbuck]

So does this work...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/4ptbuck/DCP_0997.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/4ptbuck/DCP_1004.jpg

[4ptbuck]

Hey it did wow.

Now for the description. In the first pic, it is the moss like stuff to the left of the bigger macro (which I don't know what it is either).

And on the bottom picture, it's on the rock behind the hammer.

thanks

[andyrew]

the top one has grape calerpa in it i think but i dont see the lichen stuff

[ReeferAl]

The green macro is a species of caulerpa. The other stuff looks like a turf algae to me. If so, then good luck. I have been struggling with it for months. My tangs pick at it a bit but don't do any serious "damage".
Allen

[4ptbuck]

In the first pic, on my screen you have to scroll to the right a bit to see the lichen.

Here's some better shots...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/4ptbuck/DCP_1166.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/4ptbuck/DCP_1172.jpg

[leebca]

I bought base rock with real lichen on it. Are you sure your LR is 'fresh.' Lichen can be easily removed (and should be, so that fish don't pick at it and get an intestinal problem with it).

[leebca]

Sorry. Just noted you said it was growing. Lichen won't grow in the marine aquarium. :D

[drjrose]

Originally posted by 4ptbuck
In the first pic, on my screen you have to scroll to the right a bit to see the lichen.


The large macroalgae is Caulerpa serrulata, not grape, and can be seen here: http://www.iptek.net.id/eng/cakra_alga/alga_idx.php?id=16

You might look through the photos at that web site to see if you can find it. I looked at the Caulerpas and Ulvas, but didn't see a match. I think that there is also a forum here on RC that deals with macros.

[4ptbuck]

Yup serrulata. cool.
A couple of weeks I ripped most of it out, and tossed it.
I've got a few 'strands' left.

Now back to the lichen, which is a marine algae, and not terrestial.

[4ptbuck]

so does anybody know anything about this lichen stuff?

[Highlander]

Sea urchins will eat this stuff at least the long black spined ones will. I have two in my 180 and they do a great job of contolling any similar algaes from my tank.

[4ptbuck]

Actually I have a long spined black urchin. He ate all my hair algae, and is now muching on my coralline. I don't mind though, solid even purple just doesn't do it for me.

[4ptbuck]

no other experiences?
Please help me get rid of this stuff.

[4ptbuck]

help please.....

ID at least....

[drjrose]

Originally posted by 4ptbuck
ID at least....

Try this forum http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=176