green hair algae

[gina]

what can i do to get rid of green hair algae? :?:

[AWestphal]

They offer different species to help. Like the emerald crab, sally lightfoot crab, and algae blenny.

I have all of these and they seem to keep my hair algae in check but I still end up pulling alot off of the rocks.

Good Luck

[steve1s]

what can i do to get rid of green hair algae? :?:

Hair algae can be a problem and can be very common for newer tanks. The key to the problem is eliminating the sources that fuel it's growth and having animals that keep in in check.

The best by far is the Left Handed Hermit (http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=23&pCatId=613). They do a great job of all kinds of detritus and algaes. In my personal experience are also the most reef safe available.

You will also need to make sure that the water additions used are free from impurities such as silcate, phosphate and low as possible nitrates. The use of Ro/DI water is the most recommended unless tap water can be asured at being free of theses elements.

Another contributor can also be frozen meaty foods. If possible get yourself some high grade flake food and use that while you try to eliminate the problem. Just make sure that when/if you go back to meaty foods that they are used sparingly.

If this is not a newer set up, you may also wish to consider the lights. If to old (more than 14-16 months), you should think about changing those. As time goes by, lights shift spectrum higher into the red which is algae heaven.

Cheers
Steve

[pete_ra]

what about putting calupera plants in the sump or tank- its uses the calcium in the water used by your algae. I have seen tanks ruined because of this. I have heard tangs eating a lot but, the source of growth is where its at.

[steve1s]

Caulerpa is a very beneficial way of helping with unwanted algaes provided they adapt. The idea behind that is the caulerpa will compete with the nuisance algaes for nutrient and the weeker of the two will die back, but not always the one you want.. :cry:

Most types caulerpa and other algaes will use some calcium in there make up but not to any great extent, they do however remove a great range of metals and toxins such as discussed in Dr. R Shimeks latest study (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-12/rs/feature/index.htm) (see table 2). The key to this method is to remove the caulerpa as it grows, thereby removing the unwanted elements.

Keep in mind that raising calcium and alkalinity levels to higher (but safe) levels will also retard algae growth.

Cheers
Steve

[RazerCorals]

My personal idea is to weed off the long stuff so it's short then:

1. Buy Red legged hermit crabs
2. Buy a Lawnmower Bleeny
3. Buy Turbo Snails
4. Add Caulerpa to tank
5. Buy a Tang
6. Cut down feeding
7. Cut down light

Not Suggested
6. Buy algae away
7. Buy a new tank

[phistio]

i'm quite pleased with the Sargassum growing in my tank, and feel it helps limit the available nutrients that lower algaes thrive on.

[pete_ra]

i support all of watchmans suggestions, but i have a natural bacteria supplement called phosphate remover, which is very safe for fish and corals. it lowers the phosphate levels that the algae needs to grow. I has worked for me

[ASOYER]

I agree w/ Steve1s. New tanks normally go thru this phase and nutrient export is the key to keeping it away.
Good quality water for topoffs is also important. Most herbivores have trouble w/ hair algae that is out of control. Most of it will have to be removed manually. Macroalgae is excellent at outcompeting for nutrients but quickly overtakes a main tank. Use it in a sump or refuge.
Good luck, Adam

[HoopsGuru]

What kind of system are you using? Depending if you are using a filter (biowheels, mechanical, etc.) or sump with bioballs, you could have a surplus of nitrates from this alone fueling your problems.

I would not mess with your lighting, this alone will not cause algae blooms unless paired with another issue like excess nutrients, etc. Also, your livestock will not exactly appreciated an environment that keeps changing (all of mine are very in tune with the lighting times).