Lobophora variegata Control - 4/26/07 Hello, <Hi Dan> I have a terrible outbreak in my 75 gal SPS tank of Lobophora variegata. <Ah yes, the dreaded 'brown wafer algae'.> I've been reading all of the e-mails on WWM about it, and there isn't a lot. I have read about a Naso tang, but my tank is a 75 gal, so I would have to get rid of him after a while. I also don't know if he would be able to even eat it all, seeing that it is growing very thick on every inch of my live rock <I wouldn't get the tang.> (I have a lot of live rock, and it has been a problem for about a year). Next I have read about urchins, I bought one and it doesn't touch the algae. It is a short spined, purple one, and that could be the problem. The huge long spined ones <Diadema sp> apparently take care of this algae, right?? <Supposedly, but there aren't any guarantees. In addition, they grow very quickly and tend to knock things around in your tank.> So... I figure I could get an urchin at the same time as the Naso, and hopefully they could wipe it out before they get too big.<I wouldn't go this route.> My next question is what does this algae eat? <Nutrients in the water.> I finally got my nitrates and phosphate down to zero <Good, a step in the right direction.>, and the stuff is growing just as strong or stronger than it always has. <Probably reading zero, not only from your efforts, but because you've got a large amount of algae in there aiding in the process. Continue to keep nutrients low through good export practices (and nutrient competition) and the Lobophora should start to decline. If I was in this situation, instead of purchasing animals that aren't guaranteed to eat the algae and might not be suitable for my tank, I'd prune/trim back as much of this nuisance algae as I could with tongs, tweezers, whatever it takes. It's painstaking and time consuming, but it would help. You don't mention a refugium. Obtaining and stocking one with a favorable macrophyte would be very useful in creating the nutrient competition I mentioned earlier.> Thanks a lot for any help, Dan Kowalski <You're welcome and good luck to you! --Lynn>

Lobophora variegata   2/24/07 Hello, I have a 75 gal. SPS tank with a very bad outbreak of Lobophora variegata. I have lots of live rock, and the algae has covered it with many layers, to where there isn't much rock even showing. About every month i pull out as much as i can, but it never slows down. I finally got my nitrates and phosphates down to zero, because that is standard procedure with any algae, but no luck. What does this stuff eat?? <Mmm, what eats it you mean?> I have read on WWM about Naso tangs, and long spined urchins eating this stuff. Is there anything smaller that will do the trick. I would appreciate any help, or if you could tell me where else to look. Thank you, Dan Kowalski <None nearly as effective as these. I would work the continuing nutrient deprivation angle... and culture some purposeful competitor (likely a Red or Green macrophyte)... in a lighted sump... and deprive this algae of Iodine... Bob Fenner>

Lobophora variegata   1/30/07 Hi I have just broken down a tank which had been overtaken by Lobophora variegata. I wish to re use the rock but do not have time to cook the rock or use chemical means. As I need to get all my livestock back into a stable system as soon as possible( it is being held temporarily through this tank change) the rock is now out of the aquarium and I am looking for a sure fire way of killing off this algae. We have very cold temps up here in the northeast right now and I was wondering if this tropical species could be killed by subjecting to the elements. <Very likely so> I realize these algaes can be pretty resilient and the last thing I want is the algae to go into a state of dormancy just to return down the road. do you think this would work or do you have any other idea's. TIA, Liam. <I would avail myself of a purposeful predator of this Phaeophyte... Please see WWM re.... Biological/Algae Eaters of Browns... Bob Fenner>

Lobophora control- I found the answer! Nasos    6/14/06 Hi Bob: <Paul> After 1 year of searching for the control of a serious outbreak of Lobophora <Brown Wafer Algae for browsers> I have finally found the answer.  No it is not pulling out by hand (been there, done that) nor is it some exotic sea urchin (I've tried many different species).  No, the answer is as simple as the common Naso Tang. <Heeee! I have some pix of "intertidal" Naso lituratus in Hawai'i... yes, with their heads out of the water, munching on "Limu" brown/Phaeophyte algae on the shoreline...> I read recently that someone had success with a Naso tang clearing out Lobophora within 1 month.  It works!  I purchased a blonde Naso Tang last week and he has not stopped working on the Lobophora since.  I think the reason why many reefers are reluctant to try the Naso is for fear that if they don't do the job, they are stuck with a fish that will eventually get too big for their tank.  I myself only have a 90 gal tank. I was willing to take the chance rather than see all my rock continue to me smothered with the Lobophora.  There are plenty of small Naso Tangs on the market, you just have to look around and be patient until you find one that's not too big.  I was lucky enough to find one around 3" from head to tail.  I figure I will get a good year or so before he may have to relocate.  I am confident that by that time, there won't be a piece of Lobophora in sight.  In fact, in the past week he has cleared out about 25% of it and is working on the rest every day. By the way, he shares the 90 gal reef with a 4" Yellow Tang and a 2" Hippo Tang.  I am sure you will have fun with that one! <Can be done... particularly where one or more is "occupied" as here> Neither of these tangs will touch the Lobophora.  The Naso tang, which apparently has a diet that consists of mainly brown algae in the wild, loves this stuff. I hope you will post this email. <We post all> It may help out many frustrated reefers that are plagued with this algae.  I have even seen some posts with reefers resorting to pulling out all there rock and scrubbing it. Good grief! Thanks again Bob for all your help on other issues throughout the years.   <Thank you for sharing, writing so well. Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Brown Wafer Algae: Lobophora and like species I have on a couple of my LR some algae that look's exactly like the algae on this page: http://www.globaldialog.com/~jrice/algae_page/lobophora.htm It began to grow at the same time coralline started (aprox. 2 months back)... I was wondering if you 'aqua-maestros' have any idea (and I'm sure you do)  on what this is and what steps should I take do get rid of it. My tank is 6 months old, all water param.s are ok, I use Kalkwasser for all evaporation and a RO unit... Thank you. <The "brown wafer algae" Lobophora is fast growing but not at all palatable to most herbivores. Some Diadema urchins will eat it, and if your tank is over 100 gallons, then a Naso tang may control it for you. Else, manual extraction is called for (Ughhh!... no fun). Best regards, Anthony>

Brown algae 2/8/03 Hey beer drinking buddies how is it hanging? <low and to the left... thanks for asking> I think I have some Lobophora variegata growing in my tank can't seem to rid myself of this algae nor have I seen it anywhere else besides my tank.... <actually rather common... this rubbery brown alga> nothing wants to eat it and when remove it grows back... <yep... that about sums it up <G>. Actually... urchins will graze it. Try a short-spine black urchin from Florida or a Pacific Tuxedo urchin (Mespilia)> I am going with a new skimmer trying to eradicate nutrients!... <a good idea, but not as immediately gratifying for control of this algae> any ideas on how to smoke this turkey??... <dry it well first... rolling papers versus bowl are your call> Or should I  spend some time with some extra aggressive skimming? <oh, ya.... that too> thanks again I will tip one for you later <rock on my brother :) > PS Anthony I love the coral prop book. and I already have the invert book on order cant wait for the release <thanks kindly, my friend. Look forward to sharing a brew in the future. Best regards, Anthony>

Nuisance Algae Counterattack! I figured out what the nuisance algae is. it is Lobophora, the brown algae. I found it on your site finally. Knowing this now, what is the best way to control this?? <A "tough" algae like this will require a more aggressive grazer, such as a Long-Spined Urchin, IMO. Yes, you'll need to watch out for potential collateral damage that these animals can cause, but the combination of dedicated grazers and continued attention to nutrient export should do the trick in time. Good luck! Regards, Scott F>

Lobophora (Brown Wafer Algae) Eating Urchins Trying not to bother you guys, but time to go to the experts. <MikeD here and not an expert, but a long time urchin aficionado> 75G FOWLR DAS H99 in-tank sump/skimmer Lights - 2x40W NO (today replaced 9 month old 50/50, and 11 month old full spectrum with Coralife 50/50 and 10000K)<It was time> NO2/NO3 0.0 pH 8.1 Believe I have the nutrients under control, using RO/DI and have a good size patch of Halimeda that I crop.<Sounds good> Lobophora is taking over my tank. After agonizing over what urchin to get, settled on a Blue Tuxedo after seeing a monster size Long Spine. Well, after watching the Blue Tux eat coralline for a week and going out of it's way to not even touch the Lobophora, it's now decided to spite me by packing around pieces of it.<It's not spiting you, but rather, like many short-spined urchins, camouflaging itself to escape notice of fish predators, such as triggerfish.> Talked to the LFS and they are willing to exchange for a Diadema. Diadema questions: -how realistic a Diadema will eat Lobophora?<It depends on whether it is obtainable or growing on irregular surfaces that the urchin can't easily adhere to.  Flat, open surfaces will almost always be preferentially grazed due to the ease with which the tube feet can hang on.  Many will learn to go to the surface of the water to be hand fed, should you so desire.> -they're ~5" diameter now, how big, how fast?<This depends upon available food within reach, the type of food and the water chemistry.  Urchins were long used as "miner's canaries" to monitor water parameters before the advent of cheap, easy, reliable test kits, proceeding to shed their spines as water conditions deteriorate long before most fish show adverse reactions.> -how does a Long Spine's appetite for coralline compare to a Blue Tux?<Again, it depends upon what's easiest to reach, although if it helps any, the Long Spine's aren't usually camouflagers.> -can they be exposed to air (transferring to quarantine)? For short periods. The waste discharge hole (anus) in the top usually prevents trapped air bubbles.> -if the Long Spines a bust, how do I handle the Lobophora?< Pruning with tweezers and shears is what I usually resort to.  Foxfaces will usually remove ALL vegetation to an extent that makes most tangs look like carnivores.> Mark in snowy Edmonton, Alberta,<Brrrrrrrr>

Lobophora variegata control  9/28/05 Hi Bob: Lobophora variegata slowly but surely getting out of hand in my 90 gal- one year old reef. I am surprised that I cannot find much info on how to control it or better yet, eradicate it.  Very little info, including on WWM.  I read some comments on the addition of urchins but nothing concrete.  Can you make any specific suggestion?  Manual removal has been nearly impossible. Thanks. Paul M <Manual removal is the preferred route to go... look into some long tongs, scissors, siphon... Bob Fenner>
Re: Lobophora variegata predators  9/29/05 Bob: Since we don't use tongs and siphons on the ocean reefs to keep this stuff in check, <Nor glass boxes...> I assume there must be a more natural predator. Any other thoughts? <I really like the futo maki at Kamagaki market down towards Kealakekua Bay... wish we were going by there on our way to Two-Step to go diving... before they're all sold out... about noon.> Thanks again. Paul <Mmm, a few tangs, Rabbitfishes... Here's the bit on Google: http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLD,GGLD:2004-43,GGLD:en&q=predators+of+lobophora Bob Fenner>

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