hair algae

[extreme_tooth_decay]

I'm developing a hair algae problem (in my tank)

 

What has worked for folks battling this?

 

I think my water params are good, and flow is high.

 

The hair algae is in many places I can't reach also.

 

(need something my sohal won't murder, and no I can't get the sohal out)

 

help?

thanks

[fab]

Have you checked your phosphate concentrations?

 

fab

[YBeNormal]

The problem with checking nitrates and phosphates after algae starts growing is that the algae will have, in many cases, used up whatever nitrates and phosphates were available and the tests will give you low readings. Algae needs both to grow though and an excess will cause an algae bloom. Old bulbs will add the third variable, light of the proper temperature. Take away any one of the three and algae will subside or at least be reduced greatly.

 

Since you have high flow and I'm assuming you have a healthy refugium to help remove nitrates, I'd guess you have high phosphates. Do more frequent water changes for a while and maybe use a phosphate remover like Phosban or Rowaphos. As Dan pointed out in an earlier thread, start with 1/3 dose of phosphate remover and gradually add more if needed each week. Using too much at once can cause other issues. Also consider changing your bulbs if they are getting old

 

P.S. I could be wrong but I believe some cities add phosphates to the water supply at times. You may want to test your water to see if that is the source. It can also be introduced by some foods. Have you changed foods lately?

[VicSkimmr]

Astrea snails

Red legged hermits

Tangs

 

Thats what I used to rid my tank of it.

[Lee Stearns]

Scarlet hermits are a bit more cost wise, but outlive the redlegs many times over and are a bit less aggressive. The redlegs do eat more hair IMHO, but long term I would still take the Scarlets.

Take as much hair out of the system as possible, because those are PHOS and Nitrate nutrients tied up in algae form. Same as thinning your macro algae growing in the sump. I also agree with using some form of Phos remover, phos guard or other if you have hair algae.

[rooroo]

Snails, water changes, and manual removal have helped thus far. Also upping the photoperiod for the refugium and reducing it for the tank. I need more hermits I think.