Fuzzy Green & Red/Purple Hair Algae Question

[jamesonkh]

I may answer my own question here, but what causes green hair algae and red hair algae?

My tank has some patches of green hair algae, not too bad; but, much of the live rock is actually covered witha reddish / purplish hair algae. It actually looks sort-of pretty, but it is also a nuisance.

I don't feed very much; I have snails and an emerald crab, and a cuke. I DO use tap water, which I know could be a problem. Any other thoughts? Thanks, jamie

 

[crp]

Usually excess nutrients, too much light or overfeeding. Do you have a skimmer>

 

[nwrogers]

Algae is caused by excess nutrients in the water. What are your Nitrate and Phosphate levels?

If they are showing up on your test results I would recommend a big skimmer and a phosphate reactor with ROWAphos.

 

[jamesonkh]

Well, unfortunately, I do not test regularly as I don't have the test kits - but every time I take water to have it tested, my nitrate and phosphate levels are right on target. Last time, my alkalinity was low and the calcium was high, but I have corrected that also. I do have a skimmer, a CPR Bakpak. Perhaps it is the lighting after all......