Red Hair Algea

ronmichel1115 · 01-12-2008, 03:26 PM

Its been a long time since I have posted on this site, but I have red hair alega, growing on my live rock and on my crushed coral on the bottem of the tank. I have checked my water, and even took it to the LFS and they say everything looks good... my blue antic lights our on for 12 hours and my other lights are on for about 8 hours a day. Water flow is very good as a matter of fact I stuck two more power heads in to see if water flow was the problem, but it does not appear to be.... any suggestions...

SAW39 · 01-12-2008, 05:46 PM

Suggestions:
-- reduce the amount or frequency of your feedings.
-- regularly check and track your nitrates. More than 20-30ppm? Do a 20% water change.
-- Some creatures will eat hair algae. You might want to invest in a scooter blenny or an emerald mithrex crab.
How old is your tank? In my experience, and in reading other posts, hair algae is a problem with younger tanks. Once coraline algae gets a foothold, it should outcompete the hair algae. You can encourage coraline algae by adding (a small amount of) Purple Up or iodine.

david7700 · 01-12-2008, 06:01 PM

I have the same problem as you, green hair algae was completely wiped out with more flow, but that red hair algae stuff hangs on tight! I am doing the only possible thing you can do, feeding minimally and using the good ol' turkey baster.

ronmichel1115 · 01-12-2008, 07:10 PM

My tank has been up and running for a year.... i have have alot of coraline algea on the sides of the tank and had quite a bit on the rock, but this red stuff has really taken over....

dsaundry · 01-12-2008, 10:45 PM

Sounds like you may have a phosphate issue. I would reduce feeding amounts and do a few water changes over the next few days. A partial every 2-3 days to get some of the levels down. Your water can actually test zero for phosphates but your live rock can store it. You can also try a product called Rowaphos in an external filter, I have found this also works pretty good. As for critters that will eat it..How about a Sea Hare, just make sure you cover your intakes with a sponge of some sort. Nothing worse than a sucked up Sea Hare..Toxic too if it squirts. I had a hair algae issue a while back and Rowaphos, reduced feedings and an ugly[but cute] Sea Hare have taken care of virtually all of it. Hope this helps.

Camilsky · 01-13-2008, 02:46 AM

Welcome to the club! I'm battling the outbrakes all the time. However, in my case is caused by addition of LR and phosphate problems. As it has been suggested try reducing phosphates! Good luck!

baugherb · 01-13-2008, 02:55 AM

I agree about the phosphate issues. That was my problem. I use phososorb and it helps out alot. IMO... Dsaundry is right on about a sea hare. There like a industrial strenght lawn mower...