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Green Film Algae
Last updated on November 17th, 2023
About Green Film Algae
Green film algae is a microalgae that is present in all reef tanks. It's often found on the glass and is only a concern when there is a large bloom.
What Causes Green Film Algae
Green film algae often "blooms" when nitrates and/or phosphates rise, or when the temperature in your reef tank increases. That being said, there is no specific cause and it seems to always be present in every reef tank.
How to Get Rid of Green Film Algae
Film algae can be scraped off the glass with a Magnet Cleaner or algae scraper. A turkey baster can be used to blow the algae off of the rocks, if thats is a concern.
You can slow down the spread of green film algae 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 the film algae of nitrates and phosphates, preventing it from growing as quickly.
What Eats Green Film Algae
There are many invertebrates that eat green film algae. The most popular are Cerith Snails, Nerite Snails, Astrea Snails, Turbo Snails, and pods such as Copepods, Amphipods, and Isopods
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