help identify algea

[jastonataquapro]

At first I thought it was hair algae, but after more than one week, it's not very hairy? It's no more than one centimeter thick. Other parts of my tank (easily spotted on my glass) are incredibly small tree like structures of green, that showed up shortly after the other green stuff. The image is as close as I can get with this camera. There are two pictures below.

What type is it? Is it dangerous? What will get rid of it?

Also, I'm done the diatom part of the cycle, it came, it went... into my skimmer I think, but something new has shown up, a light dusting of red on the sand in areas. Almost exactly like diatom covering, only more red. Interestingly it's only around a snail that hasn't moved for a few days. I think he's dead (which is odd, I have other astrea snails doing just fine). I'm about to remove the snail (how do I dispose of him?). I also have one tuxedo sea urchin. All my vitals are within normals.

Oh yeah, and can I add a blue Tang already? Should I get rid of the three stripe damsel (you see him in the top corner always hiding)?

http://aquariumpros.ca/photopost/data/500/637P8181700.JPG

http://aquariumpros.ca/photopost/data/500/637reefblowup.jpg

[Michael_Lambert]

its looking like Hair or Turf algae to me.. the red dusty stuff could be a cycno bacteria growth.. keep an eye on everything.. did you use RO Water in your tank?

[Mitchell]

:eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :eek2:

looks like hair to me to.

hate that stuff hate that stuff hate that stuff hate that stuff

[Michael_Lambert]

I can Vouch on Mitchell's Fobia on Hair Algae.. lol :)

[Mitchell]

well what can I say...everyone hates it :confused:

I just hate it with a PASSION :D

[jastonataquapro]

All right, how to get rid of it?
And the snail? He smells real bad, sulfur like. In the garden? Keep his shell?
And what about the Tang?

[jastonataquapro]

You know, I have a very small cleaner crew for the tank, recomendations on beefing it up? I don't want any turbo's and I do plan on keeping coral one day.

[jastonataquapro]

anyone? I know there's a lot out there already, but it's conflicting and all over the place. Get this snail but not that snail, get that snail but not this snail, get crabs, don't get crabs, buy thingy, don't buy thingy.

So what cleaner crew works against this algea?

[Dman]

Jason,
Hair algae is one of those things that creatures hit or miss on. I've had luck with Emerald crabs and not much else. Most tangs find it too tough so won't both with it unless they get really hungry.
Now for the snail, leave him in there, let him decompose and feed the sandbed, then remove the empty shell as it will get unsightly and could become a detrious trap.
As for the tang, honestly, I wouldn't go with any tangs until your tank is at least another 8 months older. And the blue tangs, I am assuming it's the same one that I have (Paracanthurus hepatus) or Hippo tang are one of the worst of the bunch for parasitic infestations and subsequent infections. ie Ich. My tank was well over a year old before I acquired either of my tangs.
HTH
Dman
:spin:

[jastonataquapro]

Oh no, wait 8-12 months, what do to in the mean time? What to add?

What snails work for you (you being Dman or anyone)? Cerith, Astrea, other?

[ajx22]

Originally posted by jastonataquapro
Oh no, wait 8-12 months, what do to in the mean time? What to add?

What snails work for you (you being Dman or anyone)? Cerith, Astrea, other?

Welcome to the world of Salt Water aquariums - where the ONLY things that happen fast are BAD!

Patience will now be your new best friend - if you want to have any success and keep your tank happy/healthy let alone ALIVE!!

In respect to snails - take your pick:

Cerith
Astrea
Turbo
Fighting Conches (not a snail actually)
nassarius
and there are others. too


The main thing to remember is NOT to overcrowd the tank. Buying too many snails now that your tank is still young - will cause a lack of food source for them, and some will starve.

Remember - go slow and ask a million and one questions. That's what we are here for!

Good luck and WELCOME to AquariumPros.ca!!

Cheers,

[kentracey]

I was trying to research the exact name of the algae and came across this great link on bryopsis if anyone is interested. http://www.hawaii.edu/reefalgae/invasive_algae/chloro/bryopsis_pennata.htm

[Dman]

Jason,
you'll also find that the Astreas and the Turbos' (these are the ones you see at Big Als all over the place) need a fairly large substrate or no substrate at all. The finer particulate sands like Southdown are no good for them. When they fall off the glass, they can't right themselves and then starve to death. Ceriths are great little snails but aren't very long lived and the conchs' must have a fine particulate sand to survive.
Here's a interesting tidbit of info on the conch's; they love to burrow into the sand to the point that you think you've lost them and they can hibernate for up to two years!!!
Dman
:spin: