Bubble algae
We have a pretty good crop of Bubble Algae (Valonia ventricosa) now with no idea how it got started. And we let it get out of hand. The tank was free of this nuisance from the beginning and started about…
Category algae control
Algae control, scrape it
In general, we don’t “fight” algae. In part because our tanks get a lot of natural light and a few hours of direct sunlight. So we scrape it off the glass into the water column and let a filter sock…
System update, UV
We added a UV sterilizer to our 200 gallon system. Almost a year old now with livestock from the easy list with the exception of a Copperband Butterfly. We intend to add more fish, possibly some from the intermediate difficulty…
UV Sterilization
Are your fish your pets? What can be done to care for them? UV sterilization kills free-floating microorganisms in the water. The UV light from the sterilizer can kill free floating algae, bacteria, and viruses. The sterilizer can be essential…
Chaeto
We have been using chaeto for many years in a refugium. For us, the finer strain mats-up, breaks-up and collects detritus, but grows quickly. Chaeto not only looks cool, but it successfully outcompetes algae for nitrates. If you plan to…
Algae and hermit crabs
Part of the fascination and education with a mixed reef system is the behavior of the plants and animals. This system is basically a planted saltwater tank at an early stage. A large piece of Red Dragon in the background.…
Why you shouldn’t worry about algae
Decaying Algae is Bad, Living Algae is Good! Algae may not be the prettiest thing to look at in your tank, but please restrain yourself from rushing to use chemical treatments to eliminate it. When you think about it, as…