Hairy Green Algae

[rhonda duffy]

I have tested my tank - all okay

I have green algae growing everywhere

Lights on 8 hours

Feeding minimal

Anyway... when I read online on what to do I get mixed messages... mangrove plants that can be in the tank; sea hare; snails and crabs (have those) nitrate filter (have that) etc...

Can someone give me the VERY best answer please...

Thank you in advance - I need help!

 

[hackman72]

To really be helpful here, we'd need more info. Do you have a sump, refugium, tank size, etc? There are quite a number of solutions to fix nuiscance algae problems. There isn't a "magic bullet" cure all but there will always be a way to fix it...just need the info.

 

[johnr2604]

Yep, what are the actual numbers you are getting on your test? Have you identified the algae or can you describe it better?

 

[mopar9012]

Hackman72;459181 wrote: To really be helpful here, we'd need more info. Do you have a sump, refugium, tank size, etc? There are quite a number of solutions to fix nuiscance algae problems. There isn't a "magic bullet" cure all but there will always be a way to fix it...just need the info.

+1

but if it looks like grass then theres a good chance it is hair algea.
sea hares are supposed to do a really good job. I have yet to see mine ATTACK a large spot of un wanted algea. if it is hair algea you will probably have to do a lot of algea removing yourself.

 

[rhonda duffy]

First, thank you for the replies so far...

26 Nano that has been set up for 4 years in my office, on my desk.

I used the 6 in 1 test strip and found everything in acceptable range.

I have a 150 Halide

Nothing special - just first tank - purchased at the LFS.

Green hairy algae on rocks only that grows every night. Most of my snails (even if I put them on the rock) ignore the algae and move onto eating off of each other's shells.

 

[rhonda duffy]

Yes, I am constantly picking the stuff off the rocks. I am hoping that the hare will do the job! I am interested in mangrove plants but would have to put another tank onto my tank?

 

[rhonda duffy]

By the way, when I finally get a tank that I am proud of, I will be posting that picture as my profile pic!

 

[hackman72]

Rhonda Duffy;459194 wrote: First, thank you for the replies so far...

26 Nano that has been set up for 4 years in my office, on my desk.

I used the 6 in 1 test strip and found everything in acceptable range.

I have a 150 Halide

Nothing special - just first tank - purchased at the LFS.

Green hairy algae on rocks only that grows every night. Most of my snails (even if I put them on the rock) ignore the algae and move onto eating off of each other's shells.

Test strips are probably the most inaccurate way of testing and give bad/false readings. Invest a few dollars in a decent test kit and you might find a large variable in the readings from the test strip. From the sounds of things, it is probably hair algae...but that's just a S.W.A.G.

 

[hackman72]

...and you don't have to go with mangroves. There are plenty of other non-invasive ornamental algaes that you can add.

 

[o0o_the_mutt_o0o]

Have you checked the phosphate in your tank? if its high then it could make super hair algae! Good Luck With it

 

[hhughes]

I'm not sure this will help but...

I had a neglected 35(?)g reef that had that stuff EVERYWHERE. When I upgraded the tank to a 55, I drastically increased flow with more powerheads and have been pretty good about my water changes. It practically vanished. I think it was nitrates in my case. Keep in mind that if the algae is taking up all the nitrates as soon as they are available, you won't read any on your test strip, but it's still fueling it!

 

[jeffmuse]

One of the best ways to combat the nuisance algae is to remove/ cut back on all of the things that are feeding it.

There have been some great posts on the tread about phosphates, nitrates, and lighting... What are you using for your replacement water? Are you using an RO/DI system? If you are using tap for your water changes, this will contribute GREATLY to the hair algae problem.

 

[hackman72]

akozicki;459248 wrote: i had the same problem with my 14 gal biocube ive the tank for about a month now but at first i though it was good to get the first algae outbreak but then i later figured out it was hair algae which was taking over EVERYTHING but what i did is buy 8 crabs and 2 snails and by a week it was all gone. And if there is any thing that can be bleached.. bleach it. But the reason why I had it was because I was running my tank lights for 12+ hours a day. But now its at 4 hours and doing good.

So my suggestion is get some blue legged crabs and snails and shorten your light time just a little bit because the algae grows by light.

It's really best to avoid using bleach on the LR. If you bleach it, you kill it.

 

[elfloyd]

I read an article recently claiming you can raise your magnesium above 1500 ppm for three weeks to eradicate hair algae... now if I can just find the article again!

 

[smoothie]

How long have your bulbs been in use? I would stay away from a sea hare in a tank that size. They are a lil sensative. Death could mean the same for the rest of your tank. Keep testing, have some lfs' and friends possibly test the water.
The kent's mag suggestion is a great one, but you still have to figure out the problem to get out of the HA farming game

 

[rhonda duffy]

Hey Jeff:

Thanks for the reply. I buy the replacement water at the LFS.