coralline algae or something else? Can it be gone?

[glarior]

Hello,

I am having a big problem with this stuff on the glass of my aquarium. From another forum they mentioned it could be coralline algae. Maybe you will be able to clarify. Is it? If so, how can I keep it from coming back on my aquarium gl***** These pics are from when I went away on vaction and came back after 2 weeks. I would say it had about 3 weeks to grow to this point. I scraped it off with a razer blade and now its already growing back quickly.

My setup is a 75g hex, ~25g sump with refugium, 150g skimmer, metal halide light, RO/DI water setup and ~110lbs of Live rock. It has soft coral, fire fish, flame angel, goby and some snails. Tank has been setup for 9 months.
http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/4/27/1020789/alg2.jpg

http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/4/27/1020789/alg3.jpg

[Bill S]

Yup. Coraline. It's "good" algae - most folks consider it a good sign that it is thriving. Scraping is the only way to keep it in check.

P.S. Welcome to MAAST!

[glarior]

so its a good thing. Hrm, nothing will eat it off the glass atleast? or will that just mess up the natural setup I have going?

[Gilbert]

I think its fine to scrape it off.
As far as eating it, i know sea urchins are known to eat coralline algea and anything else in their way

[jroescher]

I have some asterina stars that will decimate your coralline. Once established they are very hard to get of though, and they multiply like crazy.

The best I've found for cleaning the glass, including the coralline, is a Mag Float with an EZ Blade attached. http://www.marinedepot.com/Easy_Blade_(Glass_Only)_Algae_Magnets_Accessories_ for_Saltwater_Aquariums-Algae_Free_Sure_Flow_Sure_Grip-AF1311-FIMTAMAC-vi.html

[txav8r]

I have some asterina stars that will decimate your coralline. Once established they are very hard to get of though, and they multiply like crazy.

The best I've found for cleaning the glass, including the coralline, is a Mag Float with an EZ Blade attached. http://www.marinedepot.com/Easy_Blade_(Glass_Only)_Algae_Magnets_Accessories_ for_Saltwater_Aquariums-Algae_Free_Sure_Flow_Sure_Grip-AF1311-FIMTAMAC-vi.html


I tried to post the same thing about the asterina stars. I almost no coraline on my glass now. My rocks that used to be all purple and pretty are mottled purple and white from the stars.
The harley shrimp (2) I got from Reefs2u are slowly bringing the numbers down but it's taking for ever.

[jroescher]

I tried the shrimp, but I never saw them go after any stars. The stars wiped out years worth of coralline. The back of my tank and powerheads were completely covered in thick coralline. Now it's the mottled purple/white or mostly just gone.

[rabadanmarco]

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