Toxic Alage?? or Good Alage

saltyrockbox · #1 03-29-2009, 07:54 PM

I have an overflow that is full of growing algae and was wondering if it might be harmful or retard coral growth. I know that a few species will release toxins, I don't think this is that type. But here is photo maybe someone can identify the species for me.

The over flow works like a refugium, there are a few pods in there and this algae that I can scoop out once an a while...for nutrient export.

I was covering the top of the overflow to block direct light but I think if this is a safe algae maybe I should help to grow and use it like you would use a macro algae species...

also the fish seem to like eating this algae when I clean out the over flows.

http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/t...lgae-toxic.jpg
http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/t...lgaetoxic2.jpg

thanks

JDigital · #2 03-29-2009, 08:57 PM

Almost looks like regular GHA to me...

saltyrockbox · #3 03-29-2009, 09:16 PM

it is really soft and slimy to the touch, I had some green hair algae in the display before and it seemed to have thicker and strong tissue. I'm not sure.

spreerider · #4 03-29-2009, 09:41 PM

I think most algea that releases toxic chemicals is more of often the platonic type IE red tide and such.

Myka · #5 03-29-2009, 09:44 PM

Looks like HA to me too...it seems to grow in a few different forms.

saltyrockbox · #6 03-29-2009, 09:52 PM

cool ya I've been searching pictures and I agree it s just a type of hair algae and the toxic ones are planktonic mostly. so I'll let it flourish and clean it out of the overflow monthly or what ever.

cool.