Beautiful Encrusting Algae But There’s A Small Downside

Marine aquarists try very hard to create a beautiful aquarium – whether the system is fish only or reef that is the target. These attempts are generally successful and often the picture is enhanced by Mother Nature. Mother Nature obviously provides the ‘eye targets’, the colourful fish and corals.

In the aquarium are usually rocks – whether fish only or reef this could be to provide homes and also be decorative. Both, particularly reef, could be ‘living rock’ for biological filtration. This rock is normally interesting in shape and over time provides a base for algae growth.

At this point the assumption is that the aquarist has properly maintained seawater quality which in turn means that stocking levels are acceptable. It’s also assumed that lighting is adequate.

Encrusting algae, often known as coralline algae which is more accurate, is lovely. It can cover upper surfaces of rocks and make a real contribution to the overall aquarium picture. Often it is introduced to the aquarium on live rock from the dealer or another aquarist. Helpfully, ordinary maintenance seems to assist in its spread.

I’ve taken some photos from areas in my aquarium (I’m not an expert on photography so hopefully they’re adequate!). The heading photo has nothing to do with the subject, it’s just that my flame angel (Centropyge loriculus) cruised by and I couldn’t resist pressing the button.

The next two photos show interesting formations created by the algae as it grows. As is often the case there is beauty in the detail. There is much more in the aquarium that isn’t shown.

Ok, so what’s this downside that has been mentioned? There’s always a price to be paid for anything, and the price demanded for this algae is in an extension of maintenance. However, this isn’t much.

The algae not only uses rocks as a base, it’s quite happy to use glass. On the rear glass this doesn’t matter, and in my case the left hand glass can be left as well. However, the other viewing glasses need to be cleaned periodically. Of course this is already done to deal with the green stuff that accumulates but unfortunately a magnet cleaner doesn’t usually remove the encrusting algae. Therefore a razor cleaner is the best tool.

The next two photos show growth on a corner and on a horizontal glass pump support. Coralline algae seems to like growing in the corners of the aquarium – or at least it does in mine. Cleaning is not a problem with a razor but make sure the razor is sharp and also have regard to the silicone joints if there are any.

Calcium testing is normally carried out where there is a known need for it. There is another test that is generally beneficial particularly with a reef and that is alkalinity. I maintain my alkalinity at about 4.0 meq/l (it drops off slowly, I test at routine seawater changes) and this seems to benefit the encrusting algae – not only the coralline but other types present as well. Maintaining a higher alkalinity is considered to be desirable with a reef system but is not essential.

It has been mentioned that routine maintenance could assist with the spread of coralline algae. When the algae is being scraped off the glass it disperses into the seawater and this seems to generate further growth in other areas of the aquarium, though I have never seen any scientific or other confirmation of this.

One more concern has been raised in the past – does the coralline algae presence on live rock reduce the effectiveness of live rock filtration. Bacteria essential to the well-being of the livestock dwell within the rock so could seawater fail to reach the bacteria causing their demise followed by serious problems? ‘No’ has to be the answer. Though, as far as I know, there hasn’t been serious or scientific testing of this question there hasn’t been a reported failure of filtration, again as far as I know. There are marine aquarists far and wide who are delighted with the presence of the algae. Personally I’m also delighted and have never had a problem with filtration because of the algae presence.

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Aggression On The Reef

This conjures up thoughts of sharks cruising menacingly over the reef looking for lunch, or perhaps just smaller fish arguing over a morsel. This all happens but in this case its corals.

Corals could be aggressive, a known fact. This is how they defend their space and obtain more. Some corals are more aggressive than others as is the usual case with Mother Nature.

As with fish, corals don’t change their habits in the aquarium. All things being equal, the corals are placed into a well suited environment well spaced from other corals. They settle, the time needed for this varies, and once the settling period is over they begin to grow.

In a reef aquarium the aquarist watches for growth because in the first place it’s pleasing – it indicates that the conditions are to the corals liking. From this growth the aquarist may well take cuttings (‘frags’) which are offered to others thus reducing to an extent the pressure on the wild reefs. Growth could cause problems which need to be watched for. For example a reduction in seawater flow could cause problems for any coral downstream which needs higher flow. Another example is light – a coral may extend enough to throw another coral into shade, meaning the other coral suffers.

Aggression should not be overlooked either. It’s said that if a reef looks overcrowded it probably is, though this is general and confusing particularly to a beginner. When a reef is set up corals should be placed so that they do not touch taking expansion (if any) into account. This applies particularly to unrelated species. This is because corals are able to fight for territory, some extending stinging tentacles to damage their neighours. Even though a coral is considered to be benign overall, there could well be other means that territory is gained, such as creeping forward on a mat.

If signs of aggression are noticed, which could be a clearly damaged coral with one side withering or losing colour, then something needs to be done. Perhaps cutting (‘fragging’) could take place, the cut piece being grown on somewhere else or handed on to another aquarist or dealer. Perhaps the offending coral could be moved entirely, though care needs to be taken that the coral doesn’t lose the required intensity of light and seawater flow.

In my aquarium I fairly regularly need to do some work because of coral growth. Perhaps a species is becoming too overcrowded or too large. Normally very sharp scissors plus yours truly deals with the ‘problem’. It’s interesting to see the different ways corals can be aggressive and spread.

I’ve taken three photographs of corals on my reef (I apologise for any quality shortcomings). There’s nothing particularly special about them but they show territorial behavior generally, though there aren’t any signs of serious damaging aggression as the corals are considered benign.

The first shows green star polyps (Pachyclavularia sp) and mushrooms (Rhodactis sp?) that have bumped into each other. This collision happened over a quite lengthy period of time, though green star polyps do spread quickly on a mat. Where the two types are together there doesn’t appear to be much movement, but the stars polyps are beginning to go around the outside edges. Is this an overpowering or avoidance strategy I wonder? There doesn’t seem to be any damage at the adjacent site to either coral. I suspect, but don’t know as yet, that the star polyps will attempt to overgrow the mushrooms. We’ll see.

The next photo doesn’t really show aggression as such, its more taking advantage of additional territory that’s available. The rock used to be covered in green star polyps but, as is sometimes the case, these died back leaving bare rock (they have now started re-growth). Toadstool corals (Sarcophyton sp) have taken hold on the bare surface and are spreading. The tiny corals appeared fairly quickly, perhaps in two or three weeks after the rock area became available and grew quickly. This is not aggression as generally understood, but perhaps could be considered aggressive opportunism. If the green star polyps grow back over the remaining rock area I don’t expect any aggression problems between the two. I do expect to have to interfere with the toadstool’s growth and number at some point.

The final photo shows mushrooms (Rhodactis sp?) and cabbage coral (Sinularia dura). The mushrooms have nearly encircled the cabbage coral and touch on occasion when seawater flow causes it. Neither of the two types is showing any sign of distress. The cabbage coral is a well known very hardy coral – it could be called tough as old boots! Maybe it shrugs off as inconsequential the presence of the mushrooms. The mushrooms for their part may not perceive any threat whatsoever and continue to colonize territory unperturbed.

There are many examples of coral aggression that are not as mild and well-mannered as those given. Many will have seen time-lapse photography showing battles in progress.

All the aquarist needs to do is be aware, which is the watchword for marine aquarium keeping.

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Soon Be Back I Hope!

Unfortunately, in addition to the problems outlined earlier a further problem arose.

Sadly, our other grandmother fell over and broke a hip. She was admitted to hospital, had an operation and was discharged. She was unable to return home and is now in a care home where she appears to be settling in well.

Very sadly we lost the first grandmother.

All of this has meant that considerable time has been needed for family etc and dealing with two no longer needed homes.

Anyway, rough waters seem to be a little calmer now and I hope to be able to submit a few blogs as time passes and before long. I’ve tried to keep up with the comments and the forum.

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The Long Loud Silence

I thought I’d add my short piece to Peter’s words.

Since going on holiday for two weeks (in Arizona) all sorts have happened. As Peter has indicated, one of the two much loved grandmas has seriously deteriorated and now has to have 24 hour care. The time and work involved in making the necessary arrangements is quite amazing, though certainly not resented – grandma has given so much to my generation and particularly to my son Peter’s, and also to my grandchildren.

Things are ‘smoothing out’ now so life isn’t quite so hectic. I’ve managed to respond to comments on the blog and to entries on the forum.

My reef aquarium is doing well. I’ve just done a routine seawater change and the fish as usual attempted to obtain food by begging. The time sequence – that is the time periods that the aquarium receives for maintenance – has been completely out but it’s coming back on track.

As Peter says, we’ll start writing again soon. It’ll probably be me first as Peter is embroiled in projects and work considerations. I keep my fingers crossed for him.

So thanks for your patience.

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We’re Still Here – But Very Busy At The Moment!

I thought that I would pop a post out to explain why we have not posted any articles recently.

Myself and John are both very busy at the moment but for two very different reasons!

I have found myself in a position where the company I work for has a very doubtful future and I am spending a lot of my time trying to keep my job. I am working long hours to try and impress etc so that I can hopefully be seen as as asset to the company. Unfortunately in the current climate there are not a lot of other positions in my field available and the ones which are available would involve me either working away from home or relocating the family – neither of which I am willing to do. I am working on other ventures at the moment as well to try and safeguard a future for myself and my family which is taking a lot of time when I am not performing my ‘day job’. When you mix in spending time with my family as well as doing the various jobs required around the home it does not leave a lot of time for other things.

I also had to make a hard decision. In an attempt to save money to put away for the future we have cut back on various things – one of which was my reef tank. Whilst I still have a huge passion for this hobby I am now reefless. It broke my heart to see it go but when things settle I know that I will start a new one.

John on the other hand, whilst retired is also very busy. John’s sons, myself and Michael live in the same area and John looks after both of our children – taking them to and from school, looking after them during school holidays etc. He is also looking after two aging ladies – my grandmothers – his own and his wifes (my mums) mothers. They are both now at an age where they need to be cared for and they are both doing a huge amount of work looking after them. It really is a shame to see people who I look up to and respect end up as what can only be said as being children again. They need to and will spend the rest of their lives with dignity and respect from everyone who knows them and they cannot have anyone better looking after them than my mum and dad. The passion and energy that they both show is truly amazing.

John still has his reef tank and it still looks as fabulous as ever. John pops onto Aquarists Online as often as he possibly can and answers questions in the forum as well as comments left on the site but at the moment when he is not busy looking after other people he is rather tired.

So please stick with us – there is a lot of information as well as other features on Aquarists Online and we will be back to post more content as soon as we possibly can – we promise.

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A Large Aquarium Re-Start

There are all sorts of aquarium sizes that are kept at home, though none as large as can be seen at a public aquarium as far as I know.

Successful small aquariums from the very small 10 gallons to the larger 50 gallons, fish only or reef, are very beautiful to look at as a whole, but their main impact is in the detail particularly with a reef. Even in a very small aquarium, provided it is a well aged system, there are growths of different algae, sometimes different corals popping up, existing corals spreading, miniature life such as tiny worms waving around looking for food and tiny shrimps foraging about particularly at night. At night small snails could appear then hide away again when dawn arrives. There’s often more.

With larger aquariums the impact is not just the beauty but the eye filling dimensions. I would guess that if asked a marine aquarist would normally advise that a larger aquarium would be on their shopping list ‘if only’. It cannot be denied that a fish only system with many fish and some of them larger species such as angels is a real spectacle. A properly designed and stocked reef system, well, that is truly something. It appears as if the reef has been sliced out of the wild and placed in the aquarium complete with life. It is true of course that any captive reef doesn’t have the diversity of Mother Nature’s own, but let’s not start nit picking. Again, close inspection should reveal all sorts of interesting items as in the previous paragraph but probably more so. Most viewers however wouldn’t be too concerned about small detail; the overall view would be the one to watch.

There is a large aquarium that is accepted as one of the best. It belongs to David Saxby and can certainly be described as large. Many marine aquarists are aware of it and have watched the video of the original aquarium, lovely as it was. Was? Yes, the aquarium has been stripped down and re-started so that the livestock could be altered. A new video has been produced that is very watchable and well made. There are some lovely fish to be seen, anthias and yellow tangs seems to be a favourite – watch out for the different coloured one. There’s also one of my favourite fish, the copperband butterfly.

As said the video is worth watching and is relaxing, so sit back and just enjoy. Here it is:

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Marine Dragons

We’ve all heard of dragons haven’t we? When we were children we read or had read to us stories about dragons, big and fearsome creatures that were real monsters of the mind. They could fly and usually could breathe fire. Now we’re adults it’s all fantasy of course, a part of children’s stories or sci-fi movies. As often as not the dragons are the bad guys.

We used to have dinosaurs of all sorts, flying, land and sea based ones. They could be small or large – how about that favourite of many, the Tyranosaurus rex?

There is a ‘dragon’ in the sea though it isn’t one really it’s a sea horse known as a ‘leafy dragon’. Not what the word ‘dragon’ really intended, nor was the word intended for those ladies who eat people for breakfast!

If you went to Romania what would you expect – hmm, how about Dracula, but no, that’s the wrong country.

So did they exist at all, dragons? The answer is a maybe – maybe? Have a look at the video and see what you think. Look at the shape, the wings…

Just imagine having a peaceful swim and one appeared, what would your reaction be?

Here’s the video, you’ll need to wait a few seconds for the advertisement to clear:

http://animal.discovery.com/videos/dragons-a-fantsay-made-real-aqua-dragon.html

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