| As with most hobbies there are some things that are | | | | filamentous green algae, smear algae, and glass |
| definitely undesirable. Keeping a saltwater reef | | | | anemones do well in the presence of nitrate and |
| aquarium or saltwater fish only aquarium is a most | | | | phosphate. |
| fulfilling hobby, but irritating problems can occur. | | | | To make bubble algae (sailor's eyeball algae) even |
| For example, outbreaks of filamentous green algae, | | | | more annoying, it is said that to do well it needs high |
| brown/black/red smear algae, glass anemones and | | | | quality water. So if they appear in your tank, |
| bubble algae (sailor's eyeball algae) are four of the | | | | definitely take control action, but at least be pleased |
| major culprits. These problems can develop into | | | | that your water is good. |
| major headaches if proper action during setting-up | | | | I have dealt with bubble algae successfully. I have |
| and the following care and maintenance are not | | | | also waged war with glass anemones, but have |
| taken. | | | | found that, once the war is generally won, |
| The really annoying part is that glass anemones and | | | | occasionally control action is needed when another |
| bubble algae can be decorative at first. In fact, an | | | | pops its unwelcome head up. |
| unwary and inexperienced aquarist might be pleased | | | | The answer to these problems is the proper setting |
| with his new additions. | | | | up of a tank from the start, and ongoing care and |
| These problems usually arrive with new corals, or, | | | | maintenance. |
| rather, on the rocks the new corals are attached to. | | | | These reef aquarium pests may never invade your |
| Live rock can also introduce them. | | | | tank at all, but it is probable that one or the other will |
| A major cause of algae problems is low water | | | | appear. Be aware, and be prepared with the |
| quality, that is, water that has too high levels of | | | | necessary knowledge to take remedial action. |
| nitrate and phosphate. It has been reported that | | | | |