Steve, what are these things?

Pasfur

I have quite a few of these in my aquarium. I have searched the internet high and low and can not identify what i am looking at. I am more of a fish guy, so WHAT ARE THESE THINGS???

SKAustin

Pretty sure what you've got there is Neomeris annulata. It is a type of Macro Algae that feeds on the calcium in your system. Unless this species starts adversely affecting your calcium levels, it should be of little worry. I've heard some aquarists complain that these are quite prolific in their systems, but little in the way of other complaints.

Pasfur

Very interesting. Thanks Steve. I did a google on it and you are correct.

I consider myself lucky, because they are extremely attractive. They are popping up all over the tank, especially on the tufa rock that I used as the base of my reef structure. I also used some old artificial coral pieces of acropora, and the Neomeris has really taken to covering it well.

For anyone who is interested, I use Kent Marine Liquid Calcium supplement and Kent Marine Superbuffer, with calcium at 420ppm and alkalinity at 12 to 14 DKH. I also have a 4'' DSB layer of aragonite sand.

For the record, my fish and blue leg hermits show no interest at all in this macro algae.

iamntbatman

You reefkeepers are so lucky! You always get random hitchhikers that end up being beneficial and/or looking great. All we FW people ever get are pond snails.

Pasfur

A pinch of salt, a touch of calcium, and presto!

SKAustin

Heh, If Only!

teh13371

no kidding! i wish that were true, but all different equipment will have to be bought, and fish replaced, and plants