FOWLR brown algae problem

[marquesalan]

I recently added LR to my FO tank and had the normal diatom algae break out. I have a bird wrasse in my tank. Can I get a bunch of Trochus snails to help eat it or will the wrasse eat them first? What is best way to get rid of brown algae?

[AWestphal]

I don't know about the wrasse but I use all different kinds of snails, hermit crabs, diff. crabs, starfish, and an algae blenny. They seem to do a great job of cleaning. The trick with an algae pack is to get as many different kinds of algae eaters as you possibly can. Theory goes, if one does't eat, one will!!!

Happy Reefing.

[marquesalan]

Shouldn't the brown algae just disappear in time? Everyone tells me it takes a couple of months and then it disappears.

[AWestphal]

That is what I heard too. My algae seems to decrease then I start getting the coraline algae and then the brown algae comes back at times. At least that is what happened before I got alot algae cleaners.

Happy Reefing!!!

[stresco]

Definately need algae eaters. I had an outbreak of brown algea on the LR that was so bad, it looked like a wheat field in there. Got some turbo snails, Hermit crabs, emerald crab and it was gone in days.

[fishaddict]

Just wondering if you guys consider this the same thing. I have some algae spots on my LR, looks maroon to me, and wondered if I should purchase something that eats this or try and cyphon it off the rocks. I've been told that if I don't get rid of this that my nitrates will climb.

[steve1s]

Never heard the nitrate thing before but elevated nitrates are more the cause than the result.

Maroon algae could be a few different things and should be determined before spending anything on it's removal. If you drag your finger over it, is it hard, velvety or slimey and comes off easily?

If the first two you have nothing to be concerned about. If the third, it is most likely cyanobacteria and should be elimintaed. In newer tanks, it is fairly common and once the fuel sources for it are exhausted should die on it's own. Keep feeding minimal, use pure water and try not to use meaty foods. Agressive skimming to keep DOC low and keeping filration equipment cleaned every few weeks if using filter pads/floss will also help.

Cheers
Steve