Algae ID?

[jbphoenix]

The pics below show an algae (at least that is what it appears to be) that I have noticed starting to grow on one piece of live rock in my tank. It is very small (I have enlarged the pics so the structure can be seen better).

If this is algae, I am wondering if it is good or bad?

It kinda looks like bubble algae, but it does have a structured form though.

Thanks for any help in identifying what this actually is.

-Jerry

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/105136unknown.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/105136unknown1.JPG

[AIMFish]

Yeah, some species of Valonia, bubble algae. Check this page out for more pics http://www.algaebase.org/PictSearchResponse.lasso?-session=abv3:0A740E211daa138B0Aokt3DAE335 My favorite is http://www.algaebase.org/webpictures/KwaZulufig028-1.jpg

[AIMFish]

My link won't work :( Just type Valonia into the latin name section on the search page and you will get the page I tried to put a link too ;) Oh, good or bad, that depends who you ask :rolleyes: I like it because it's easier than some to remove if it becomes a problem, but most people don't like it. If it's in your FOWLR tank I would leave it, it can't hurt the fish and will help the water!

[jbphoenix]

Thanks AIMFish! I will probably leave it since it is in my FOWLR. I thought maybe it was bubble (Valonia) algae but it was so small it was hard to tell.

-Jerry

[graveyardworm]

Here's (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-02/hcj/feature/index.php) a good article from RK mag. Do not underestimate the ability of this algae to completely cover your LR. It also tends to break away and float then they clog your powerheads. I've been fighting it for a long time and I think I may finally be winning.