id this algae

[pete_ra]

ive got some algae growing now on my lr since i got my pcs, its kind of purple brown stuff, and it has bubbles all over it. Do i want this?

[steve1s]

Without seeing the algae, you are describing cyanobacteria/blue green algae. Are you seeing an increase in the bubbled area's during the photoperiod?

Not something you want and is actually very common when lights are changed or spectrum shifts in bulbs. It is fairly easy to rid, but it takes time and patience.

Reducing the photoperiod can help, just be mindful of the coral health. It tends to be more of a nutrient pest than a lighting one. Limiting the types of foods and amounts will be the biggest contributor. Even if you are using good water, Ro and such, certain foods will still contain their favorite source>> phosphates. Meaty foods especially contain many things that will fuel their growth, so try opting for a high quality marine flake for a while and cut back on the normal amount. The flakes will still add some impurities, just not as much.

You can also speed it along by reducing it's foothold in the tank. Using an airline tube it should syphon out very easily. Just be mindful of not breaking it up and spreading it around. After as much has been removed as possible you should increase water flow to those areas to prevent it from getting a strong hold again.

Turbo snails are also good at containing the algae while the tank adjusts and the nutrient is reduced.

Cheers
Steve

[pete_ra]

thanks i will try somw of those things. I just dont like the way it looks. bubbles all over. But ill let my calupera plants grow out and that might help too. my tang is grazing on it also!

[steve1s]

Caulerpa is a great method for competing lesser annoying algaes and elimintaing them. One of the many reasons to set up a refugium. They can/will help keep the water in check when it comes to these problems and can also be a good source for nitrate removal.

The key though is, you need to regularly harvest the caulerpa, thereby removing the impurities with the pruning. Sounds like you already have a good handle on things... :D

Cheers
Steve