Hair Algae

Discussion in 'Algae' started by Dman, Oct 29, 2014.

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  1. Windy

    Windy Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2014
    Messages:
    85
    Get an algae scrubber.
     
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  3. dienerman

    dienerman Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2011
    Messages:
    719
    Location:
    West Chester, Pennsylvania
    I think the ultimate answer to your question lies in identifying the source of your nitrates. I would start to examine one thing at a time to identify it and eliminate it. My approach has always to be looking at my sump first. Filter socks, detritus buildup in areas that are difficult to see, etc. You have looked at feeding issues and perhaps you should look at your bioload also. I did not recall seeing what you are stocked with. Most (if not all) of us have battled this issue at least once and winning does happen with patience and perseverance! Good luck and keep us posted so as to help the next guy!
     
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  4. SaltyClown

    SaltyClown Sea Dragon

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2011
    Messages:
    549
    I read you siphon your sand bed. Do you do that every week? 1 fish in a 55 gal and you feed it flake food only? If you ever feed it frozen food, remember to rinse out the food first.
     
  5. Dman

    Dman Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2013
    Messages:
    69
    Location:
    TX
    Sorry for the long time between replies. It is a slow process. What I have been doing is as follows. Blow algae off rocks with turkey baster or scrap it off with tooth brush. Use net to get as much out as possible. Siphon substrate when doing 10% percent water changes when possible. Use filter floss for smaller stuff and keep it changed out. Added LR rubble to sump and Cheato. Feed only what I see fish eat. Added reactor with chemipure. Noticed white growth on rocks. LFS said it was sponge(good thing they said). Had Red Cyano break out bad. Treated 3 days ago with Ultralife Red Slime Stain Remover. Cyano gone. Nitrates <20 as of today. Still working on it but that's the progress so far.
     
  6. chum

    chum Coral Banded Shrimp

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2013
    Messages:
    375
    Location:
    west chester, pa
    dman, like i said before i had it bad also. i used a aquaripure nitrate filter, some turbo snails, and marine algaefix and i am algae free. if you use the filter and algaefix, do not do them on the same night. use at least 24 hours apart. i feed my tank one frozen cube per day during the week and two per day on the weekends. i thaw it out and dump it through a brine shrimp net and than repeat that again. i use ro water for everything.
     
  7. Dman

    Dman Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2013
    Messages:
    69
    Location:
    TX
    Thanks Chum. I forgot to mention that I have very little algae left with what I've been doing. I saw good reviews on the algaefix. I'll have to give it a try. I like what the filter says but I'll have to save up for that. Definitely looks like something I'll be putting on my list. I tried a couple turbo snails but they died and I don't know why. Until I figure that out I don't want to buy more. I was wondering how often do you use the filter and algaefix?
     
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  9. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2010
    Messages:
    6,344
    Location:
    Dunnellon, Florida
    Chemical bandaids will not help and may actually make things worse.If you are seeing algae a more aggressive maintenance schedule is the way to go.Snails may help but they only consume certain algaes and will starve once it has disapeared.
     
  10. ivanbosk

    ivanbosk Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2011
    Messages:
    216
    Location:
    Savannah GA
    yeah, if you are only feeding every other day, 1 fish, there is something else going on. How old is your setup? Did you move it recently? How old is the sandbed? Has your LR been exposed to high levels of nitrates for long periods?