Green Hairy Algae

[cvsailer]

I have a 92 gallon FOWLR. I have green hairy algae growing on my live rock. The tank has been set up for 2-3 years and it just started recently. My ammonia, nitrate, nitrates, Ph, salinity are normal and consistent. I recognize these parameters (outside of nitrates maybe) are likely not related to the algae. I don't have the tests to measure phosphates, calcium, etc. I'm most interested in understanding what specific product/solution do you recommend (outside of more frequent water changes) to get rid of this ugly algae.

Thanks for your help!

 

[BioCubeGuy]

Are you running RODI water?

 

[cvsailer]

yes

 

[E46Twist]

Phosphates?

 

[cvsailer]

I don't know what my levels are (I don't have a test) but I'm sure they are high. How do you recommend I get them under control? Is there a product you recommend?

 

[cvsailer]

I should have mentioned that I do not have an adequate clean-up crew, only a few snails. Would that help with the hairy green algae?

 

[BioCubeGuy]

High levels of phosphates and or nitrates combined with excessive light is causing your issue. Definitely get a bigger clean up crew... Do a water change and cut your lights down for a few days. I just picked up an API phosphate kit from marine depot for 7-8 bucks.

 

[tommyboynj]

Are you running gfo? I'd recommend doing so if not. When set up my first tank I used dry rock and it leeched po4 like crazy. I had to run gfo for a long time. I still do now but in smaller amounts.

 

[Xavibear]

Get yourself a good phosphate test. Api doesn't measure low enough.

How are your stocked? Do you run a skimmer?

 

[Sk8r]

This is a thread re this problem: I recommend reading ALL of it. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1941038

 

[cvsailer]

First, I appreciate everyone's comments and help. I need to take a closer look at the algae (i'm not home now) to first determine if it's green algae or bryopsis. Any pointers on making the right call on that would be great. If it's green algae I need to get a phosphate test, a larger cleanup crew, cut my light time and do more water changes (weekly vs. every two weeks). If it's bryopsis I will follow the recommendation Sk8r forwarded.

I look forward to your feedback.

 

[wom001]

How long is your light cycle?

 

[acrab78]

#1 keep up on tank maintenace, water changes with particular attention to cleaning the sand bed and turkey basting rocks etc....
#2 Use a photphate remover etc, maybe some chemi pure elite as well...
#3 Get a starry blenny... only fish I have ever seen that will eat hair algae, they rip it up like a pit bull attacking something

 

[uncleL]

Have you made any adjustments to your lighting or water flow in the tank?? I would get a Lawnmower Blenny an Foxface. I have 4 Tangs to clean gotta love them!!

 

[cvsailer]

I will ask what is likely a ridiculous question. As I said at the start of this thread I have a 92 gallon FOWLR. To remove ALL the green algae from the live rock what if I quickly powerwashed each rock. Since I would be using fresh water I'm assuming this would adversely affect the rock. Although I could effectively remove the algae without bleaching the rock, which I know is not an option. I know regardless I have to get my phosphates under control, add a better CUC and a fish or two that eat algae. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

 

[Reef noob_]

IMO get a lawnmower blenny, a 92 is a good size for it and he will defiantly help the problem.

 

[AquaFrenzy]

If you get an algae blenny don't get worried if he doesnt eat the hair algae I bought for the same reason and he won't touch it, just grazes on glass in random spots

 

[Xavibear]

I will ask what is likely a ridiculous question. As I said at the start of this thread I have a 92 gallon FOWLR. To remove ALL the green algae from the live rock what if I quickly powerwashed each rock. Since I would be using fresh water I'm assuming this would adversely affect the rock. Although I could effectively remove the algae without bleaching the rock, which I know is not an option. I know regardless I have to get my phosphates under control, add a better CUC and a fish or two that eat algae. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

That would kill your rock.

Buy nitrate & phosphate tests. Start carbon dosing or running gfo. Get a tuxedo urchin.

 

[saltwater_pappy]

Had a similar problem about 7 years ago. I found nothing to eat the hair algae. Found my phosphates were to high and use rowaphos to lower them. I continued to remove rocks and scrub them weekly with a toothbrush till eventually it didn't come back. I now grow macro algae in my sump to keep phosphates down and the hair algae has never returned. Be aware that it may take months to get the problem under control. Keep working at it.

 

[acrab78]

If you get an algae blenny don't get worried if he doesnt eat the hair algae I bought for the same reason and he won't touch it, just grazes on glass in random spots

+1

Have had a few algae blennies in my time and none of them touch hair algae... Currently have a new starry blenny and he tears the stuff up... would sell him for $500 hahahaha... not sure if they all eat it like him... And if it is FOWLR Turn your lights off... issue resolved.