Algae and Plants

Mangroves

melev — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 00:06:30 +0000

Mangroves

In nature, the Mangrove plant grows in brackish water, providing a safe haven for newly hatched fry (baby fish). The plant absorbs salt water, and is able to extract freshwater for growth. A benefit is that it will hold silty soil in place, and act as a filter as water runs through its roots toward the neighboring reefs. Some reef keepers grow these in their systems to help decrease nitrates while providing an attractive plant to their display. The leaves must not touch the water. These two shoots were planted in the refugium of my 55g reef. They are slow growing tropical plants. A helpful tip: Use a spray bottle of water to mist the leaves daily.

melev Sat, 06/13/2020 - 03:06

Algae and Plants

Critters

Flame Algae

melev — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 00:04:06 +0000

Flame Algae

Over the past year, more people are keeping this beautiful macro algae to export nutrients from the water. It's likely Halymenia sp.

Photo by Brian Grippe

melev Sat, 06/13/2020 - 03:04

Algae and Plants

Critters

Padina Scrolling algae

melev — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 23:26:03 +0000

Padina Scrolling algae

Padina is a neat looking scrolling algae. It doesn't do any harm, and adds some shape to your reef. This particular leaf grew for weeks at the local fish store, getting larger until one day it was gone.

melev Sat, 06/13/2020 - 02:26

Algae and Plants

Critters

Red Coralline algae

melev — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 23:22:01 +0000

Red Coralline algae

Sometimes you will find a very dark red growth encrusting on the rock. This would be red Coralline algae, and it is nothing to worry about. Rather than being cyano bacteria, it acts like it is painted on the rock and won't budge when hit with a powerhead or turkey baster. The more common type is pink coralline, but some red mixed in can look quite nice.

melev Sat, 06/13/2020 - 02:22

Algae and Plants

Critters

Cyano Bacteria

melev — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 22:41:38 +0000

Cyano Bacteria

One of the dreaded algaes we see in our tanks is called "Red Slime Algae" but it is actually Cyano bacteria. Typical solutions: reduce Nitrates & Phosphates; increase flow; siphon out all you can see with airline tubing. Use a turkey baster to blast this off of sensitive corals, because it will smother them to death. I've successfully tried all the methods listed in this article about Cyano and how to remove it: http://www.reefaddicts.com....Cyanobacteria-what-is-it-and-how-can-I-get-rid-of-it

You can now purchase RedCyano Rx from Melev's Reef

melev Sat, 06/13/2020 - 01:41

Algae and Plants

Critters