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Calothrix
Last updated on November 17th, 2023
About Calothrix
Calothrix, another form of cyanobacteria, is a slimy, fuzzy bacteria that covers sand, rocks, and coral. It looks very similar to dinos as it traps air within it.
A key thing to note is that calothrix looks VERY similar to dinoflagellates. They are both brownish in color and trap air withing them. It can be dificult to determine the difference between them, however dinos are generally more stringy. I have also heard of dinos as being "snot like" in appearance.
What Causes Calothrix
Calothrix is another form of cyanobacteria, very similar to red slime algae. Phosphates in the aquarium can lead to cyano, also known as slime algae. Cyanobacteria will usually start to coat rocks or sand in low flow areas of the reef tank and grow outward. Having high flow, and no areas without sufficient flow, within the tank will reduce the ability of this bacteria to form and coat rocks and sand.
How to get Rid of Calothrix
Cyanobacteria can be removed from sand and rocks with a siphon or net during water changes. Cyanobacteria, even when removed, will generally regrow quickly until the phosphates in the reef tank are reduced. As such, it is best to reduce the phosphates to fix the problem for good.
To get rid of calothrix you will need to reduce phosphates. The best way to do this is by keeping a good refugium with cheato macroalgae and a strong refugium light. This algae will grow, and consume both nitrates and phosphates from the reef tank. Starving cyanobacteria of phosphates, preventing it from growing.
You can also use a chemical treatment such as ChemiClean to remove cyanobacteria. I tend to avoid adding "quick fix" solutions, however, ChemiClean tends to have a lot of success stories.
What Eats Calothrix
Being a bacteria, there are not many fish or inverabrates that naturally eat calothrix. Trochus and Cerith snails are both known to eat cyanobacteria in the reef tank, and may be worth a try. There are also reports of Nerite snails and Chitons eating calothrix.
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