purple velvet looking algae

Discussion in 'Algae' started by greek machine, Jan 25, 2008.

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  1. greek machine

    greek machine Plankton

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    I have a 35 gallon reef tank with 60lbs LR, Live sand, assorted fish (2 Blue Chromis, 2 Clown, 1 Mandarin Goby and 1 Rama Grama) 2 Shrimp, enough crabs and snails and 1 sea urchin.

    My problem :cry: is purple velvet looking algae on my rocks. My water paramaters are perfect.

    Any Suggestions on how to solve the problem? Is it even a problem?
     
    greek machine, Jan 25, 2008
    greek machine, Jan 25, 2008
    #1

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  2. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    Are you sure its not coraline?
     
    lunatik_69, Jan 25, 2008
    lunatik_69, Jan 25, 2008
    #2
  3. greek machine

    greek machine Plankton

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    dont think so,its like its contained on one piece of rock growing over my polyps.
     
    greek machine, Jan 25, 2008
    greek machine, Jan 25, 2008
    #3
  4. DiamondBitsUSA

    DiamondBitsUSA Astrea Snail

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    DiamondBitsUSA, Jan 25, 2008
    DiamondBitsUSA, Jan 25, 2008
    #4
  5. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    yeah I think its that DiamondBitsUSA.
     
    lunatik_69, Jan 25, 2008
    lunatik_69, Jan 25, 2008
    #5
  6. greek machine

    greek machine Plankton

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    99% looks like cyanobacteria,thanks .
     
    greek machine, Jan 25, 2008
    greek machine, Jan 25, 2008
    #6

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  7. DiamondBitsUSA

    DiamondBitsUSA Astrea Snail

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    The color can vary from green to purple to red to black. It's all pretty much the same stuff. It is a sign that there are too many excess nutrients in the aquarium. Are you running a protein skimmer? It sounds like your clean up crew is large enough and an urchin will usually keep it in check. You may need to reduce the frequency or volume of your feedings. It will also help if you can manually remove it when you do water changes.
     
    DiamondBitsUSA, Jan 25, 2008
    DiamondBitsUSA, Jan 25, 2008
    #7