Hair Algae Solution That Worked For Me

I was wondering what everyones plans are once their HA is gone in their tank. How will you keep away the source of the algae (nitrates and phosphates)?

Also has anyone used this with an anemone in their tank and noticed any affect on it?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14236670#post14236670 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chrisstie
I was wondering what everyones plans are once their HA is gone in their tank. How will you keep away the source of the algae (nitrates and phosphates)?

Also has anyone used this with an anemone in their tank and noticed any affect on it?
Click to expand...

Getting rid of the HA in itself was a major task. Once accomplished, I am now looking into various sources of nutrients etc. Alteast the HA is in control. I am sure if I continue to do what I have done earlier, it will come back. Right now, I am going to try to focus on my refugium with different macro algaes or Mangroves (i've heard good things about them.
 
Do you use RO/DI water? And what and how much do you feed? I notice if I slack on either of these (well water changes with pure water) I will get some. I'm still debating on if its enough to risk using this product in my tank.

I wish I had small tanks setup to experiment on first. I just have too much value into my tank as it is and too much anxiety yet. I would want to make sure everything in my tank would be safe.
 
chrisstie, I did my final treatment back on 12/17. So far I haven't had any HA come back. I use RODI water. I think my original problem came from a couple of bad batches of RODI. I also switched my lights from metal halide to T5 about the same time. Not sure if the HA came about due to different lighting spectrum. Maybe a combo of bad RODI and new lights. Anyway, It's been about 5 weeks since I quit treating and so far so good. I only do 20% water changes once a month. I think it's good you try everything else before trying chemicals. I did and only tried this as a last resort.
 
Chrisstie,

I haven't seen or heard anything about results on a tank with an anemone. I would bet that it's safe, since it's safe on other invertebrates. Worst case scenario is that the anemone becomes stressed out. I'd be surprised if it was a problem, though.

Also, as a quick update... My cheato is completely gone now. I guess after 4-5 doses, the algaecide was enough to kill it off. I've began manually pulling a lot of hair off of rocks, and did a 20 gallon water change today. That amounts to about a 15% change. Hopefully between using my on RODI unit, this algaecide, running a phosphate reactor, feeding less, and keeping a better eye on my skimmer... (and I'm about to start vodka dosing) I hope to get this nastiness behind me.

I still haven't noticed any negative effects on my livestock. My snails have been dying, but I imagine that is simply due to a lack of soft algae to eat.
 
well heres my 2 cents. have no refugium in the tank. after reading a few good cases i bought a bottle from my local petmart(17$ i think)

i dosed it as directed,
first dose i noticed some hair algae in my skimmer cup, figured great its working!

dosed it second day and everything seemed ok, but the following day my tank is cloudy!

i stopped using it after that, and did a waterchange.

didnt really notice my corals looking too bad though. and fish seemed ok.

im wondering if the algae when assexual for some reason?
i dont really have that much algae like a few of these pics, but i do have a small amt.
 
I think you dosed the second dose a little too soon. I think the method says you dose it every third day not the second day.
 
dwimber,

You mentioned carbon dosing ( vodka ) and I wonder why are you going this route.....??. What is your current Nitrate readings ??..is a reason for the vodka ??

One thing that can adveresly affect snails are Nitrates....and of course high PO4....just a thought...
 
It sounds like vodka dosing strips out all of the nutrients in the water. If I still have high phosphates, I thought the vodka might help.

It's been highly recommended by some of the more intelligent reef keepers in my area...
 
I was advised that carbon does not need to be removed. I am running carbon and skimming heavy and its killing HA every day. My skimmer is working over time.
I am also doing water changes weekly and sometimes twice a week and my corals are fine.
 
I will try to remember to post some more "during" pics soon... Still haven't gotten to a point that I would consider stopping this treatment, so no "after" pics yet.

The hair is still receding, although my progress has slowed down a little bit. Just did a 20 g. water change, and I'm going to continue running my phosphate reactor from now on. I've also resumed manually removing hair, so these upcoming pics will show a little more improvement than the last set.
 
this is a great thread! have read the entire thing. i have also been battling light hair algae but somewhat severe red slime. i may give this product a shot soon.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

R
DIY Trace Solutions
Replies
6
Views
786
CowZoa
C
griss
Dipping Frags for Bubble Algae
Replies
6
Views
200
griss
griss
A
Combining GSP from different sources - will they fight?
Replies
5
Views
286
Tony Romano
T
R
some random questions
Replies
1
Views
240
SantaMonica
S
A
New to saltwater
Replies
3
Views
195
Acetaprofen
A
Back
Top