green hair algea problems

[MRGolfo]

I set up a new tank and am having real bad green hair algea problem. What's the best way to get rid of them? I have tried the search button but there's high traffic right now and it would allow me to search.

 

[Reggae Fish]

How long has it been set up? How much flow? How long are your lights on?

 

[MRGolfo]

it has been up for about 2 months. I am using a Mag 24 for a return and two maxi 1200 for water flow. the lights are on for about 10 hours.

 

[ncox38]

I had the same problem. I cut the lights back to 8 and started running phosban. It takes about a month but it will go away on its own. Now I have some other stuff and bubble algae....

 

[MeuserReef]

Turbo Snails... Lots and lots of Turbo Snails...

Check the TDS on your RO/DI unit also.. Dirty water = GHA

 

[Reeferhead]

I second checking your RO/DI.

However, I've had more success with Queen Conchs eating HA than Turbos.

But don't forget the basics, Feed less and give it time its a new tank.

 

[Im Lon 2]

Cut the lights back,
Run some phosphate remover.
Check the TDS in the RO-DI water..
Do you have a skimmer?
Water Changes
Less Feeding

For Hair Algae don't worry about flow. It will grow in any type of flow.

 

[StupidsReef]

I had the same with the new 225, I scraped out what I could get to, cut my lights time in half, did about a 40% water change and then turn up my skimmer from a "mud" like skimmate to a very wet skimmate.

 

[sarahdae]

I discovered the awesomest natural control for hair algae...red leg hermit crabs. I AM ABSOLUTELY positive they eat green fuzzy hair algae, because I stuck one in my nano which had it, and a day later it was nearly gone. Since he is in the nano, I got to watch him up close...his little pincher claws would grab and rip the hair algae off the rocks and he would eat it...crawling along, until the rock was clean. I wondered why when I moved some Live rock from my main display, it started growing hair algae in my nano when I have never had hair algae in the display!
Now I know why, the red leg hermits in my display are always on the rocks picking and eating, never allowing it to grow. THe hermits love it. You have to get the "mexican red leg hermits". Not blue legs, not scarlets, because I can't guarantee those kinds will work the same. TRY IT!

 

[spooda420]

watch your PO4 and your nitrates.... all algea needs to live is food.light.