Red Stringy Growth

[Schgred]

Any ideas what this is? I was just given some live rock and this was growing on one of the rocks.

 

[Sniperhank]

It is a macro algae. The name is currently escaping me.

 

[Schgred]

So macro algae is generally good because it will either provide food for fish or it will consume some of the unwanted nutrients in the tank that nuisance algae tends to thrive on? Is that right?

 

[Sniperhank]

Bingo. It is good stuff.

 

[Schgred]

Ok to follow up, this macro algae completely died off. What does that mean? I have other green hair/turf algae growing in the tank and this macro algae died.

 

[MINItron]

Sometimes nuisance algae can outcompete macroalgae if the nutrient load is heavy. You have to get it somewhat under control so the macroalgae can outgrow the microalgae. It's a pain, but necessary.