Macro algae issue

[ShelbyJK500]

Just wanted to get a couple opinions. I have (had) a ton of cheato algae in my fuge. Over the past month or so, it has dwindled down significantly. Only two things I think could be the possible culprit, but don't know. 1) Lighting. I only have a regular household (though I thought it was a 6500k bulb) bulb over it. Do I need something different? 2) I have two urchins I put in there awhile back to take care of some cyano and other nuisance algae. Do these eat macro? I ask, because I've NEVER seen them eating or even near the stuff. I have only seen them staying on the rock in the fuge. Maybe both are the issue??

 

[Craigar]

With how deep your refuge is you may need a stronger light

 

[Wicked Color]

They are definitely eating it, my urchins have wiped all my macro out.

 

[MartinsReef]

They are definitely eating it, my urchins have wiped all my macro out.

+1 Urchins "WILL" eat maco if they don't have anything else to eat. Mine ate maco, GSPs, superman monti and path right thru my scroll coral.

 

[ShelbyJK500]

Thanks for all the input guys!! Looks like both might be the culprit. Even though I haven't seen them eating it, don't mean it ain't happening. Gonna try a better light on the fuge this weekend too...hopefully it starts growing like crazy again so I can start giving it out!

 

[Cherub]

+1 Urchins "WILL" eat maco if they don't have anything else to eat. Mine ate maco, GSPs, superman monti and path right thru my scroll coral.

I really wanted an urchin but may pass after reading this

 

[kmcmurtry]

I really wanted an urchin but may pass after reading this

+1

 

[ShelbyJK500]

+1 Urchins "WILL" eat maco if they don't have anything else to eat. Mine ate maco, GSPs, superman monti and path right thru my scroll coral.

Hmmm...I have big colonies of GSP in two different Nano's right now, with two urchins in each nano. Haven't seen them go after it, yet. Thanks for the info, I'll keep my eye out!

 

[kmcmurtry]

I am also super wary of urchins after having read a blurb about somebody getting a horrible infection from one after having it prick his skin. I could just see me moving something and forgetting he was there. I already cut myself all the time on just my rock-work. I know, I should be wearing gloves. I even bought some fancy ones and they're still like new, lol.

 

[ShelbyJK500]

I am also super wary of urchins after having read a blurb about somebody getting a horrible infection from one after having it prick his skin. I could just see me moving something and forgetting he was there. I already cut myself all the time on just my rock-work. I know, I should be wearing gloves. I even bought some fancy ones and they're still like new, lol.

LOL...yeah, I was pretty wary myself until I saw how easy they are to handle. I move them with my hands all the time, but I still worry about not seeing one when doing maintenance. I actually had a girl at an LFS stick herself pretty bad when she was chasing down my coral beauty in a big tank. It was in a shadow in the corner and she never saw it. Not fun for sure. OH, I've heard they scratch acrylic as well, so that is the main reason I won't have any in my larger tanks. Just fyi.

 

[deadrock]

Yeah I used some urchins to remove some nussance algae ,they were awsome until they ate my hoolywood stunner challice and on top of that it was a dbtc piece .bad day

 

[ShelbyJK500]

Yeah I used some urchins to remove some nussance algae ,they were awsome until they ate my hoolywood stunner challice and on top of that it was a dbtc piece .bad day

Yikes, that sucks! They are awesome at nuisance algae. I became a big believer when I had a single (small guy) wipe out a completely covered back wall on a 28g Nano, that had 2-3" long hair algae. Gone in 48 hours, couldn't believe it. He almost doubled in size after that.

 

[scrumpto]

Get a plant grow light Shelby.


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[ShelbyJK500]

Get a plant grow light Shelby.


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Yup, I got one from Elite today. They sell the small "household" type, which was perfect for my fuge light at the moment. Took the two urchins out as well. Hopefully the macro will take off now!

OH, btw....are you still looking for a tank?