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Tricks for removing hair algae?

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by RCreefer, Feb 4, 2012.

  1. Feb 4, 2012 #1
    RCreefer

    RCreefer Guest

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    So currently in my tank I would like to remove the excess of hair algae that I think my crab can't quite conquer. Its gotten long and covering a few rocks.

    I tried to siphon it out...this "trick" did not work for me (so may have been focusing on the algae and consumed some saltwater..ew haha). Pulling it is sooooo messy. Thought I would ask the vets out there...ideas? Or suck it up and keep plucking.

    I top off with RO, have chaeto in my fuge, tested 0 for phosphates, but I'm new. Its a 27g, little over a month old, cycled pretty by-the-book.

    I DID just start my skimmer tonight and its already producing nasty. Maybe this is my long term solution since everything else looks ok?

    Thanks!
     
  2. Feb 4, 2012 #2
    B-Rad

    B-Rad Inactive User

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    Things to consider, Nitrates, Phosphates what kind of test kits do you use. I think for Nitrates the regular kits are ok but for phos you need a good high quality test kit to be accurate. (digital if possible).
    Lighting, you say its new so they should be good, but just to touch the bases, old bulbs tend to shift spectrum's as they age going to the red and yellow spectrum's that algae need to grow. also light cycle having the lights on to long of a cycle can help it grow. No more then 12HRS.
    Flow not enough flow can cause dead zones in you're tank were nitrates, and phos can accumulate.
    I now you said you use RO water but test that also as that can add phos and you not know it, you step up your water changes only to add more of the very thing you are trying to get rid of.

    These are just a few things that can help fight the battle.... Good luck!
     
  3. Feb 4, 2012 #3
    RCreefer

    RCreefer Guest

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    Hmmm...the lighting...the tank isn't new, but in good working condition, however, I thought I read somewhere that metal halides lose their quality after eight months or so? maybe the lighting its just old like you're implying? Its the t5 mh combo, not real familiar with technical stuff with lighting. Is there a way to tell really?
    Flow was just updated from a nano...temporary! To my new mp10..maybe that was an issue!!
     
  4. Feb 4, 2012 #4
    phishcrazee Riverside

    phishcrazee Experienced Reefkeeper

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    What are your nitrate and phosphate levels at?
     
  5. Feb 4, 2012 #5
    bmurphy

    bmurphy Inactive User

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    i cut the light cycle way down(2-4 hours a day), added turbos and astrea snails, chaeto in the sump and a 15-20 percent water change weekly. went from a huge algae farm to an aquarium again in 2-3 weeks-(that was due to overfeeding) obviously find your problem first, but that solution was the least expensive and most effective I've found.
     
  6. Feb 4, 2012 #6
    Sponge Marshalltown, IA

    Sponge Expert Reefkeeper Vendor

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    +1 as well as knowing the NO3 and PO4 levels.  Lighting can be an issue too...good answers guys/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/biggrin.gif  You can always take the rocks out (if corals aren't attached, rocks aren't glued/epoxyed...) and scrub them in tank water, rinse and put back in.    Good luck!
     
  7. Feb 5, 2012 #7
    RCreefer

    RCreefer Guest

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    Nitrate and phosphate are good, last night phosphate was zero but I'm also using a liquid test so maybe skewing results. The ro/di is brand new so don't think its the problem. I think im going to attempt the scrub down as much as I don't want to move rocks. As for my actual problem...thinking of replacing the metal halide too.
    If I cut down on the lights to kick the algae will that meads with the cuc? Ive got a crab and lots of little guys.
     
  8. Feb 5, 2012 #8
    RCreefer

    RCreefer Guest

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    *to elaborate on good...nitrates read a bright yellow again this morning...so zero ppm, again!
     
  9. Feb 5, 2012 #9
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

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    I think the usual scenario is that if you have the excess hair algae you have excess nutrients. They are just being "consumed" by the algae so they don't register on the test kits. Some people don't even bother testing they just use algae growth as an indicator of nutrient levels. I agree with bmurphy's approach cut the lighting cycle, very minimal feedings, and frequent water changes. You should see the algae decline. The cuc will be fine without lights.
     
  10. Feb 5, 2012 #10
    RCreefer

    RCreefer Guest

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    Then its settled, cut my lights in half, which keep the lighting on my cheato on longer, and am prepping for a bigger water change. Thanks everyone, hopefully this helps.
     

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