This is the log of the talk I gave on Algae on #reefs a few weeks ago. #reefs have not posted as yet but someone who saved the entire file was kind enough to send me the text.The actual text below is an expanded version of the chat. I have added quite a bit of information to clarify some points that were made and questions that were asked. As such this document is far longer than the log of the actual chat that took place.
Good evening everyone, and thanks for being here tonite. It is a pleasure to address you on algae and answer some of the questions you may have. I know time is limited so we will not have the opportunity to cover algae in great detail, but I hope to bring you a better understanding of some of the basics you should know about algae in general.
Mention the word algae and hobbyists are likely to cringe. Indeed, at some point or another we all have had bouts of problems with micro-algae, cyanobacteria, slime, hair, filamentous, patchy, and whatever other form undesirable algae may take on.
We may also have experienced the growth in our aquariums of higher forms of algae, whether green, red or brown (Chlorphyta, Rodophyta, Phaeophyta) and, of course in reef tanks we all have coralline algae growth (Corallinaceae).
The appearance of undesirable forms of algae is, nowadays, much better understood and countermeasures of different forms can be taken to prevent from them from appearing, and eradicate them when they are already there.
I will be glad to elaborate on some of these during the question and answer period.
Whereas the "chat" is about algae in general I would suspect that most hobbyists are really interested in micro-algae and not so much in macro-algae. Some may have an interest in coralline ones too, I would suspect.
Questions about macro-algae are welcome though as, indeed, our corals can be impacted by the presence of too many macro-algae in the tank, or by their closeness to corals. Some macro-algae release toxins in the water and these toxins can affect corals, especially in smaller aquariums when the amount of macro-algae is rather substantial.
Additionally, authors such as Peter Wilkens and others suggest that exudates from may other macro-algae may be harmful to certain of the more delicate corals. This is especially so if your protein skimming is not removing these toxins from the water.
Carbon (activated variety for aquarium use) can be used from time to time to remove such exudates as well. The problem with prolonged use of carbon, and its possible side effects resulting in too large a desirable element removal, is not the topic of this chat, but is certainly to be considered if you decide to rely on activated carbon to purify the water more.
Should you have questions that I do not have an answer to during this session, I will gladly look the answer up for you. I have, over time, accumulated probably close to 100 books on all forms of algae. One would imagine that I should be able to come with an answer for you from all that material.
The term algae is so all-encompassing that it is not possible to have answers to all questions, even if one has spent a great deal of time reading and studying algae forms in general. There are just too many varieties.
Another area of interest that has lately been the topic of message exchanges on many Internet Lists is coralline algae. You are welcome to ask questions about all of these types of algae.
I will attempt to answer your questions as well as I can. Please understand that phycology (the study of algae) is a vast area to say the least, and I do not have all the answers either. Your understanding is appreciated. Hundreds and hundreds of books have been published on the subject of Chlorophyta alone (just to give you an idea of the vastness of the topic).
I have spent lots of time reading and learning about all forms of algae but what seems to be happening with knowledge is, that the more we know, the more we realize how little, in fact, we do know. This certainly applies to my knowledge of algae and phycology in general. When one starts to delve into a particular topic in depth, one finds that one book leads to another book to yet another and so on, and that just to understand and be knowledgeable about one area is, indeed, a daunting task.
Rather than have a long introduction I would like to go to the question and answer time so we can cover as many questions as possible.
Note that authors differ in the recommendations they make. The opinions expressed here are mine and only mine. I relate what I have found but that certainly does not mean that I have the magic answer for everyone. Just wanted to clarify that.
The main reason for not going into any detail in this introduction is because many of you already know quite a bit about algae, and I did not want to post material you are already familiar with. I decided that it would be better to answer questions.
Note though that if you are not, and you wish to ask a question about what may seem basic, go ahead. There are no questions too basic not to be asked. Indeed, some who are newer to the hobby may have far less experience with algae in general than those who have been in reefkeeping and in the saltwater hobby for a while.
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