Reef Death: Filamentous Algae Removal BBQ

[MikeJacobs]

FYI, because we have a lot of this stuff here along our shore AND I've been looking for an excuse to throw a beach parrty at my new apartment (on the beach lol), we're trying to get something together... I don't know how to cross post but here's the url for more info: http://www.scubaboard.com/t37732/s.html

When I became aware this was a problem I went for a firsthand look, and there it was - everywhere. It was choking reef and as I began to remove a little the damage was apparent. This stuff kills and kills fast.

Anybody know more about it? Where it comes from and how it spreads?

 

[ScubaRon]

Filamentous or "turf algae" grow in area's with high light and high nutrients. It is often seen on the reef flats. During periods of high nutrients herbivores (e.g. tangs and many angelfish) cannot keep up with the growth and the turf algae can overgrow a reef.

In controlled waters (e.g. lakes, ponds and aquaria) filamentous algae can be controlled by reducing nutrients and/or light and by adding herbivores. I am not sure what can be done to control them on a reef.
ScubaRon