Algae ID (black fuzzy stuff)

npage

Member
What is this blackish, fuzzy algae growing in my fuge on the macro. (looks more purple in the photo)

I assume the bubbles are cyno. Is the black stuff cyno also?
I have only used RO/DI since day one. No tap. Trates are 0. Phosphate is 0.
I know the flow rate in my fuge is low. I'm thinking of dropping in a small powerhead.
BTW, its sitting on a bed of Valonia aegagropila. (Its one of the good bubble algae)
 

ninjamini

Active Member
Thats alot of bubble. You need 2 things.
1. a phosban reactor to get the phosphates out of the system
2. some cheato to consume the nitrates.
3. Ok there is a 3...more water changes to export the nutrients.
 

nick76

Active Member
im pretty sure thats cyno. Ive gotten Black/Purple cyno before and it sucks. Reduce your light time and feedings.
 

npage

Member
Originally Posted by MiaHeatLvr
ALSO your bubble algae issue should be addressed as well before it makes its way into the dsplay tank..
Believe it or not I put that clump of bubble in there. Its accually a "good" bubble algae. Its very controlable and doesnt spread.
Originally Posted by ninjamini

1. a phosban reactor to get the phosphates out of the system
2. some cheato to consume the nitrates.
I do have a lot of cheato in the fuge. Most of the fuge is cheato. Its just not pictured.
I think my next purchace is going to be a Phosban Reactor. As soon as I make room in the stand.
 

digitydash

Active Member
Originally Posted by NPage
Believe it or not I put that clump of bubble in there. Its accually a "good" bubble algae. Its very controlable and doesnt spread.
I do have a lot of cheato in the fuge. Most of the fuge is cheato. Its just not pictured.
I think my next purchace is going to be a Phosban Reactor. As soon as I make room in the stand.

Bubble algae does spread when it breaks.Why do you say it a good bubble algae I never knew their was a difference.
 

ninjamini

Active Member
Originally Posted by NPage
Believe it or not I put that clump of bubble in there. Its accually a "good" bubble algae...
 

npage

Member
I know it sounds like an oxymoron, but it is a great macro to have in a fuge. I got it from a breeder/LFS owner who is very knowledgeable.
He was asked what it was in a different forum.
I believe its Valonia macrophysa. Unlike the single spheres of Ventricaria ventricosa which is a big time PITA, the Valonia macrophysa is very easy to "harvest". It grows in clumps and harbors a lot of critters. If it does get a foothold, its a very week hold and is easily removed. I dont think I would intentionally add it to the main display, but its one of my favorites for a refugium
 
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