The dreaded hair algae

[mnat]

My JBJ nano has been running for 4 months now and has had a hair algae outbreak. I have taken some steps already such as putting a phosphate sponge in the back, as well as changing the filters, adding an emerald crab, leaving the lights off longer, trying to feed less and blowing food off of the live rocks and sand before water changes to get it out. I also do weekly water changes and while all of this has stemmed the tide I want to get rid of the algae that is there. What are the best ways to get it out besides throwing the piece of live rock out the window?

 

[tbone212371]

Sea Hare is the way to go....

 

[ds4x4]

or Mexican Turbo snail. but they are pretty big and knock things over

 

[mnat]

I think a sea hare might be a bit to big for my 12 gallon tank but I have looked at them.

The mexican turbo might be intersting to try.

 

[junk]

I have a 14g and between putting in some phosban, scaling back the lights to about 2hrs a day for 2 days, and dropping in 1 emerald, almost all of it is now gone. I've also pulled out what I could. Main reason for the emerald was the bubble algae I was starting to get. Are your phosphates up?

 

[mnat]

I haven't checked phophates recently because I was told once you have hair algae it will mask your phosphate levels so the tests aren't acurate.

Also, do you just pull the algae off or is there a better way to trim it?

 

[qwik]

Hi, If you are still having to blow food off the rocks and sand you are overfeeding . You should just feed enough for the fish to eat. Any extra will sit and decay causing you water problems and feeding the hair algae . Turbo snails knock just about anything over,mine rearrange the tank at will and I have lost a few frags because of them. But they do work great . I think a small seahare would be better and cause less "damage" . A cowrie might also work but they also are a bit clumsy .

 

[Brizjuan]

I have always had luck with getting rid of hair algae by running some phosban, decreasing hours of light per day, and making sure I use only the purest water imaginable... I agree that a sea hare may be a little extensive for a 12 gallon... There are some liquid products out there that remove algae and are reef safe.... I dont know too much about them but you could look into it... Whatever you do just try to be patient.. We all know how much of a nuissance hair algae is when it takes hold... Good Luck to you

 

[mnat]

Thank you all for the tips, I think I need to just get in there with my hands and yank off as much as I can. When I added the phosphate sponge it started to brown over so I might be winning this battle.

 

[qwik]

Try not to resort to using a product to get rid of it . It might be fast and easy but it will not fix the "why" you have it problem . It takes time but you will get a handle on it and win the battle . Less light,less food,water change,manual removal and some type of clean up crew should do it. Good Luck .

 

[NJ_ychung1]

what about vodka dosing. what's everyone/anyone's experience with this controlling nuisance algae and keeping nutrients in check....?

 

[mnat]

I don't know about vodka dosing as this is a 12 gallon tank, and I don't want to crash it.