Green Hair Algae

[Guest clownfish4]

I have a large amount of green hair algae growing on my skimmer intake.  It just kind of appeared out of nowhere and is growing steadily now.  What is causing it?  How do I get rid of it?  How do I prevent it?  Thanks for the help!!!

[Lee Stearns]

I believe a certain amount of hair algea is normal- taking up nutrients in the cycle- there are lots of articles on controlling it, but basically it involves the control of nitrogen available in your system. Either by having Macro out compete it in combo with feeding less, or as most folks just accept it and add something to the tank that eats it. On the Skimmer I would not sweat it much just wipe it off. You must have some light there for it to grow there. Mithryx crabs, and Tangs(surgeon fish) seem to eat it. Some hermits such as the scarlet legs will pull at it a bit as well. Several snails eat it-My favorite Nerites. Ceriths in my short experience seem to focus on film algea. Astreas and turbos  may do some damage to it as well as long as your tank is Turbo snail proof for they are the mini dozers of the reef, which is why I do not keep them. Both conches I believe will eat it, but more as a last resort- no film algea around.  

There is a difference between the hair and the filament algea which look somewhat simular initially. The filament is longer remains green and is more relished by the Tangs.