grass growing

Question
hi..we have a 65 gal salt water aquarium, with coral. the coral seems to be growing on it what looks a lot like grass. the fish store said to turn off the lights for 2 weeks, then back on. this seems to be working but there is still some growth in there, but less of it. do you have any other suggestions on how to stop this? thanks!

Answer
Hi James,

Good question...

It sounds like you have an outbreak of hair algae. My recommendations are to drastically reduce your phosphate levels, and also to introduce a clean-up crew to your aquarium consisting of an array of reef safe hermit crabs. I highly recommend against turning your lights off for 2 week periods, because most corals are photosynthetic and need the proper amount of light to manufacture zooxanthellae. Some tips on reducing phosphates include: using reverse osmosis water for water changes and for top-off water, and monitoring other sources that could introduce phosphates into your aquarium like foods and additives.

More in detail on corals and photosynthesis:

Most reef-building corals contain photosynthetic algae, called zooxanthellae, that live in their tissues. The corals and algae have a mutualistic relationship. The coral provides the algae with a protected environment and compounds they need for photosynthesis. In return, the algae produce oxygen and help the coral to remove wastes. Most importantly, zooxanthellae supply the coral with glucose, glycerol, and amino acids, which are the products of photosynthesis. The coral uses these products to make proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and produce calcium carbonate

Regards,
David

All Experts - Editor

http://ocreef.com - Director