algae identity and chromis question

[vcyr]

First I have googled and googled, but I can't identify the green grass like tuffs on two of my rocks. It isn't slimy like hair algae, it hasn't spread quickly, and is not the easiest to pull off. It hasn't bothered me yet, but I wanted to find out what it is, incase I need to remove it.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u281/vcyr/grass.jpg

Second, I had three blue green chromis that swam all over my tank. The smallest one unfortunately had an untimely death via filter. It has been a couple of months, but since then, the other two have not been nearly as active. They swim around to eat, but other than that they just hide all day in different spots. I have a 30 gallon tank, with 2 chromis and a pink spotted watchman goby. Because of the size of the fish, I think I am maxed out on my bioload, or at least pretty close. I don't run a skimmer or a sump, just live rock and flow, so I am hesitant to get another chromis, but I wonder if the other 2 need a 3rd one to feel more comfortable to swim around more. My tank looks so boring with nothing swimming.

Opinions would be appreciated! Thanks!

[tamableanimal]

I would need a clearer picture and a closer view to try to name the type of algea. But I suspect hair algea. I would suggest removing the rock and scrubbing in a pail of salt water to remove it. All matting algeas that I have seen are intrusive in a display tank and should be removed before they get out of hand.

[Reefscape]

Cant really make much out on the algae, with regards to how fine the hair is, however from i can see, its possibly maidens hair...A plant, rather than a troublesome algae...a great place for pods to grow as fish wont eat this due to the toxins in the grass...This is, of course, if it is maidens hair...A closer picture would be better...

Niko

P.S Green Chromis will always do better in larger groups and are commonly quiet in low numbers..

[tamableanimal]

As to your second question I think that you would be better off finding a small fish that like to stay out in the open, which should bring the damsels back out. Most schooling fish have very specific heirarchies and the introduction of another damsel may work or they may attack the new fish. The only other option in my opinion would be to get the third damsel and then remove the two that you have in the tank and then put all three in at one time. In this way they may try to school again.

[vcyr]

Thanks for the info guys! I googled Maidens Hair, and it def looks like that. I will keep it a while and make sure it doesn't spread to much. I don't ahve any corals, so that isn't an issue.

As for my lonely chromis, I will add another one or two. I may wait until I get my bigger tank next month, and add them all at once. Hopefully that will cut down on some of the territorial issues the older ones may have. I would love to see them swimming around again!

Thanks!
Verna