A couple of algae questions

[grizfamvac]

Okay tank experts--see if you can help me out with these two:

Newer tank (5 weeks), 80 gal, evolving into reef tank.

1. I have pretty cool brown algae (?) that started from a small brown spot (3/4 in) on my live rock and has begun growing segmented branches. Des anyone know what this might be? I have not seen it in the resources I have.

2. I have a pretty healthy stock of green algae in my tank, and have a significant clean up crew of hermits, emerald crabs, snails, which seem to be concentrating mainly on the hard surfaces. They seem to be only occasionally grazing the substrate which has become pretty furry. My water chemistry is pretty good (zeros on nitrates, nitrites and ammonia), temp and pH are steady. I have recently shortened my photoperiod. Anyone have a suggestion for something that will specifically graze the substrate?

Thanks in advance.

[treylane]

#2 - sorry, that's just how it goes with new tanks. they start with a big algae bloom if you do it right, or several big algae blooms if you slack. :)

Keep up on water changes, skim, maybe add a rowaphos reactor, and wait. If you notice anything dying, take it OUT of the tank before it adds to the problem any further.

#1 - Some sort of macroalgae, nothing to be worried about. Post a pic and we'll see if we can identify it!

[Staghorn]

Question #1 It grows just like the Kelp off our coast but it looks like Sargassum sea weed very cool looking ..... cycled my tank and just let it grow out and then when i wanted to place something coral etc in that spot would just pull it off the rock clear space :) #2 A Jawfish would turn over the substrate if it wasn't to large a grade ..... have you checked your silicate level and your ALK level also hows your water flow ????? Would also need to see a pick of the Algae to try and identify the culprit . Well folks i'm off to Florida for about 8 Days anybody want me to bring back any CORAL !!!! :eek: ( Just kidding ....but will keep my eyes peeled ) for Fish Stores. Hope that little bit of info. helps. Staghorn :cool: