Good or bad algae??

salt55

salt55

Member
I recently returned to my apartment after being away for a week for christmas. My tank now has 6-8 spots of algae or coulerpa or something growing. It looks like patches of very fine grass flowing in the water. I like the way it looks. Is it good or bad or neutral? Thank you
 
salt55

salt55

Member
it is coarser than any other algae ive had, but it still flows in the current. It looks just like fine grass, it actually looks good but it seems to grow fairly fast. How would i tell if it is hair algae and if it is hair algae how do i get rid of it. THank you very much
 
salt55

salt55

Member
it seems a little coarser than what you describe. Most algae that is bad looks bad also. If you didnt know anything about a reef tank you would think i put it there on purpose.
 
rsd

rsd

Member
Does it look like hair from your head or is it coarser like hair from "down there". (and yes I know coarser isn't a word) If it is thicker and "more coarse" then you might have a macro algea like maidens hair. Still spreads but not like a carpet of filed of grass.
Hair algea spreads over EVERYTHING. It also doesn't look that attractive as it spreads. Unfortunalty it is rather hard to get rid of.
Maidens hair is better looking but has a problem with clogging things up. Mine grew in clumps... looked great... very dark green, very healthy. Unfortunatley it also broke loose in clumps and cloged PH, skimmers, overflows, you name it, it found a way.
Maidens hair, IMHO, belongs more in the 'fuge than in the display... unless you have a sally lightfoot, emerald crab, or (in my case) a flame angel. They will eat everything they can reach.
Good Luck.
PS what is you phosphate and silica reading? How old are your lights?
 
salt55

salt55

Member
My lights are all brand new. My phosphates have always read really high due to the use of tap water, for about 4 months now i have done 3 or so water changes with RO/DI water. Im trying to get the phosphates down but its slow to happen. Do you suggest anything to get them down quickly? I think what i have is the maidens hair you describe.
 
nicenakago

nicenakago

Member
I have a few sections of the same type of "green life" you are describing. It hasn't ever spread though... I know for a fact it is not hair algae... but perhaps it could be maidens hair or whatever you called it.
Any way you can take a picture or send a link of what it looks like?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top