Safely remove small amounts green hair algae

[tony_caliente]

I have one piece of coral with a small amount of hair algae growing on top of the polyps. I gentle removed most of it by hand - very gingerly of course - is there anyway of getting rid of the real fine, peachfuzz stuff that remains? I also moved the coral to a location where there is better water circulation.

 

[swfk44]

i've seen posts and posts about green hair algae, and i know it's bad and is probably what i have of course, but never any pics. hoto: please

 

[weaglereefer]

What kind of frag? I've taken some cheaper frags and just broke the coral off at the base so as not to introduce any nuisance algae into the system.

 

[smoothie]

It seems like a new tank/flow based problem. Blast it off with a turkey baster and keep your testing up and water params in check until this comes around. Can't remember your filtration, but may want to add some live sand.
Are those star polyps?

 

[jennm]

It looks like green cyanobacter to me. When you do a water change, keep the waste water, take that colony of green star polyps out, and give it a good swirly in the waste water, thus knocking off the cyano. You can do the same with any other rock(s) that have it.

Jenn

 

[smoothie]

Tony- post your replies on here so everyone can help you. The more the merry and we can get this problem solved quicker for ya

 

[smoothie]

JennM;428426 wrote: It looks like green cyanobacter to me. When you do a water change, keep the waste water, take that colony of green star polyps out, and give it a good swirly in the waste water, thus knocking off the cyano. You can do the same with any other rock(s) that have it.

Jenn

+1 and use an old toothbrush. They come in handy

 

[jennm]

I'll just add here... don't "recycle" a toothbrush that was used.... as a toothbrush. Fluoride is toxic.

I buy a 3-pack of toothbrushes at the dollar store (for $1) and they do the trick.

Jenn

 

[tony_caliente]

My assumption is to use a very soft bristled toothbrush and use it only after the polyps have retracted(?).

 

[jennm]

They'll retract pretty quickly. Go easy on them but they can tolerate a reasonable amount of scrubbing. If it's cyano though it should fall off pretty easily if you give the colony a swish in a bucket of saltwater. You may not need to scrub them as such.

Jenn

 

[tony_caliente]

I removed most of it by directing a powerhead on it. I will probably stop by after work today. We get out early. Otherwise I will see you tomorrow. I plan to bring another hobbyist. Thanks you!

 

[smoothie]

It will still be in your tank simply doing that. You just spread it around a little. Start mixing some water and do a water change late tonight or early in the am. Use smaller tubing to remove the water and green slime so that you will have time to reach most of it.

 

[tony_caliente]

Will so ...great advice. Thank you.