Neomeris annulata problem    7/26/11
Hi, I have a 55 gallon FOWLR and a 125 gallon tank that is on its way to becoming a reef. I have had problems with this algae that nobody was able to identify for years. I was hoping that when I set up the new 125 gallon tank, the problem would go away but sure enough they're growing. The water parameters are fine, I do monthly 20% water changes and I can't figure out how to get rid of this stuff. I know that Neomeris annulata is harmless but it's covered the whole tank and I want to get rid of them. Do you know of any ways of eradicating the. I appreciate the help, thanks!
<As you state, it's not a big deal... You might look into competitors, nutrient deprivation, a biological predator... Please send along a list of the purposeful stock you have now and we'll make some recommendations. Bob Fenner>
Re Neomeris annulata problem 7/29/11
Let me rephrase that. Everybody says they're harmless but mine are invasive. I had frags in the 55 FOWLR tank and after about a month it had literally covered all of them.
<Wow!>
It attaches to snail, crabs, powerheads, it's growing in my sump. I have done a lot of research and there are not natural predators of this thing. We only have a Kole Tang, McCosker's Wrasse and 3 chromis in there right now but Im afraid to put any corals in there.
<Try a Mithraculus sp. crab or two>
Like I said there are no natural predators. Im thinking of using AlgaeFix, some people have said that it eliminates all macroalgae in their tank including Neomeris.
<Mmm, I'd move all the other livestock out first if going the chemical algicide route>
I have been searching for Julian Sprung's email because there is a picture of Neomeris on his book and I was wondering if he would know what to do! I don't know if you could but if you could get his email that would be a great help.
<I don't send out other people's addresses. Have bcc'd him here; will leave it up to Jules to respond if he is so inclined. Bob Fenner>
Re: Neomeris annulata problem   8/1/11
Ok thanks for the help. If I have any more trouble I'll be sure to email you.
<Real good. B>

Riding Out a Neomeris Algae Bloom Hello, <Hi! Scott F. here this evening!> I have a 125 gal. reef that in its beginning, I added some lace rock at the recommendation of an aquarium shop where I live. It seemed to introduce the Caterpillar weed (Neomeris annulata) algae.  I crop it to get rid of it, but it accumulates rapidly. I have tried yellow Tangs, Scopas, and yellow eye tangs.  None seem to eat it snails and crabs also stay away. Do you have any recommendations to get rid of it? Thank You. Shawn <Well, Shawn, this algae tends to be difficult to eradicate, as you have suggested, and few herbivorous fishes will touch the stuff, as you are now aware! I think that this species is infinitely more "desirable" (ok, make that "tolerable") than the disgusting Bryopsis, or other nasty algae. They are actually kind of interesting, as their thalli contain calcium-sort of like an ugly version of Halimeda, if you will. In my opinion, the best way to get rid of this stuff is to do what you've been doing- yank out what you can, and ride out the "invasion". These algae tend to disappear once the tank gets more established, and less abundant supplies of nutrients are available to them. Of course, other algae will arise to take their place once things get going, so an ongoing nutrient control/export program (i.e.; water changes, use of chemical filtration, protein skimming, and general good husbandry techniques) will really help you reduce or eradicate future nuisance algae growths. Be patient, hang in there, and you'll see these fuzzy little algae start to disappear. Good luck! Regards, Scott F>