Green hair algae

[hredder]

Hey RC,

Quick question,

I have a green hair algae issue. The stuff is growing all over inside the overflow box, probably due to several reason. First its very close to the T5 lighting, 2nd reduced water inside the the overflow box, 3rd its where all the nutrients are going to collect, 4th my nitrates are 16ppm (big reason for alga).

Im gonna get my nitrates to as close to zero this week, by doing pretty big water changes. Should I reduce my photoperiod, maybe turn them off for an hour or two to disrupt the growth of the alga. What other things can i do to reduce the growth. My phosphates are .05 or lower. IM sure the nitrates are probably the biggest factor, but what is the next biggest thing to help reduce the growth.

 

[kraze3]

I would pick out as much as possible. I would take the overflow box right off and scrub it clean. You can scrub any rocks that may have it also. Once it is all gone you can try lights out for 3 days to try and prevent some of it from growing back. Usually the GHA battle isnt won overnight. You may have to do this a few times.

Clean filter socks, pads, and sponges. Clean pumps and powerheads. Any bioballs? Cut down on feeding amounts. A decent sized water change will deffinately help also.

 

[hredder]

how to i clean the overflow. its attached to the 90 gallon..its a drilled tank?