green hair algea - Aquarium Advice

b3noodles · 04-26-2007, 05:07 PM

Hi Guys I have a major problem I have green hair algea everywhere. I have tried new lights for less time, lower temp, less feeding and no luck. I even tried removing the glass tops and using egg crate the alge is so bad that I am using a turkey baster 2 to 3 times a week and cleaning the filter intakes every day as well as the glass I cant seem to keep snails or hermits alive for more then a week or so. Please help me find a solution Thanks again, Sue

tecwzrd · 04-26-2007, 05:20 PM

Yellow Tang, Royal Gramma, Lawnmower Blennie, Clowns(2), Blue Tang in a 55 gal.

That's the main reason IMO. Reduce your bio-load to reduce your nutrients that the algae feeds off of.

Algae needs excess nutrients to feed off of. Mostly it's levels of po4 above .03 ppm that causes algae blooms. No3 plays a small role also but IME only if it's above 20 ppm.

Test your source water for no3/po4 and thaw/rinse your frozen before adding to the tank to help reduce po4 also. If your source water contains no3/po4 get a RO/DI filter.

Do you have a skimmer? Do you clean your filters weekly?

You're doing most of the 10 Step Plan for Nuisance Algae Control already but overstocked tanks are aways going to be battling algae.

b3noodles · 04-26-2007, 08:41 PM

Hi again I am sorry the profile has not been updated in quite a while. We no longer have the yellow tang. We do clean the filters at least 2 to 3 times a week and we do have a bak pak skimmer. I also do about a 20% water change with RO water once a week. I only feed fresh not frozen so I dont think that could be the problem. I appreciate all the help and I am really frustrated with this whole thing it was never a problem before it just seemed to pop up about 3 months ago now its out of control. Thanks again for all the help Sue

Squado · 04-26-2007, 11:42 PM

The best thing to do is trying to solve the problem long term as tecwzrd said, but IMO the best thing to do to start off with is to remove it manually. Either by syphon during a pwc or trying to remove it by hand when you can get a chance. I know it easier said than done, but its a start and has worked for me in the past.

unda_da_sea · 04-27-2007, 07:48 PM

Part of it could be a light spectrum shift if you haven't changed bulbs. Don't worry and try different things like less feedings or checking source water params. changing water more often, cleanup crew ect.....hth

I'm researching lighting and realized a higher spectrum helps inhibit growth of some nuisance algeas.

tundar · 05-05-2007, 05:59 PM

I've had major green algae problems before. My solution was (and still is today) to physically remove rocks covered with algae and scrubbed it off with a toothbrush. Very trying and tedious but effective. Then use a Diatom filter to remove as much algae particles as possible and then make a small water change (10 to 15%) every 7 days. Leave your lights off for at least 10 days. After this, everything is good again. I'm no expert but his works for me.

Hope this helps

My Diatom filter is a "Whisper Diatomagic Filter " I love this thing!!

seaham358 · 05-05-2007, 06:28 PM

Have you tested the water yet?? Post numbers for us..
You need to test your top off water also to see if its coming in that way.
Phosban reactor can help if PO4 is the issue..

**melosu58** · 05-05-2007, 08:46 PM

I agree. Post your numbers and let`s see what is going on. That needs to be the first order of buisness. Then we will know how to progress.

04-26-2007, 05:07 PM	#1
b3noodles Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Cleveland Ohio Posts: 115	green hair algea Hi Guys I have a major problem I have green hair algea everywhere. I have tried new lights for less time, lower temp, less feeding and no luck. I even tried removing the glass tops and using egg crate the alge is so bad that I am using a turkey baster 2 to 3 times a week and cleaning the filter intakes every day as well as the glass I cant seem to keep snails or hermits alive for more then a week or so. Please help me find a solution Thanks again, Sue __________________ Thanks all for your help! And for putting up with me!!

04-26-2007, 05:20 PM	#2
tecwzrd Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: VA Posts: 3,152	Yellow Tang, Royal Gramma, Lawnmower Blennie, Clowns(2), Blue Tang in a 55 gal. That's the main reason IMO. Reduce your bio-load to reduce your nutrients that the algae feeds off of. Algae needs excess nutrients to feed off of. Mostly it's levels of po4 above .03 ppm that causes algae blooms. No3 plays a small role also but IME only if it's above 20 ppm. Test your source water for no3/po4 and thaw/rinse your frozen before adding to the tank to help reduce po4 also. If your source water contains no3/po4 get a RO/DI filter. Do you have a skimmer? Do you clean your filters weekly? You're doing most of the 10 Step Plan for Nuisance Algae Control already but overstocked tanks are aways going to be battling algae. __________________ -Micah- If you haven't figured it out yet I like to BOLD links :P Vote for AA at Aqua Rank

05-05-2007, 06:28 PM	#7
seaham358 Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2004 Location: Poughkeepsie, NY Posts: 3,296 Images: 21	Have you tested the water yet?? Post numbers for us.. You need to test your top off water also to see if its coming in that way. Phosban reactor can help if PO4 is the issue.. __________________ 9/02-125 REEF, 125 lbs LR,LS 4x160 VHO, Reef Devil /Sump, Fuge 7/03-55 FOWLR 60lb LR, 50 lb SD sand 2x40 NO strip light, Reef Devil/sump, Fuge TANK PICS http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=98202

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04-26-2007, 08:41 PM	#3
b3noodles Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Cleveland Ohio Posts: 115	Hi again I am sorry the profile has not been updated in quite a while. We no longer have the yellow tang. We do clean the filters at least 2 to 3 times a week and we do have a bak pak skimmer. I also do about a 20% water change with RO water once a week. I only feed fresh not frozen so I dont think that could be the problem. I appreciate all the help and I am really frustrated with this whole thing it was never a problem before it just seemed to pop up about 3 months ago now its out of control. Thanks again for all the help Sue

04-26-2007, 11:42 PM	#4
Squado Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 327 Images: 3	The best thing to do is trying to solve the problem long term as tecwzrd said, but IMO the best thing to do to start off with is to remove it manually. Either by syphon during a pwc or trying to remove it by hand when you can get a chance. I know it easier said than done, but its a start and has worked for me in the past.

04-27-2007, 07:48 PM	#5
unda_da_sea Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 37	Part of it could be a light spectrum shift if you haven't changed bulbs. Don't worry and try different things like less feedings or checking source water params. changing water more often, cleanup crew ect.....hth I'm researching lighting and realized a higher spectrum helps inhibit growth of some nuisance algeas.

05-05-2007, 05:59 PM	#6
tundar Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Montreal,Canada Posts: 41	I've had major green algae problems before. My solution was (and still is today) to physically remove rocks covered with algae and scrubbed it off with a toothbrush. Very trying and tedious but effective. Then use a Diatom filter to remove as much algae particles as possible and then make a small water change (10 to 15%) every 7 days. Leave your lights off for at least 10 days. After this, everything is good again. I'm no expert but his works for me. Hope this helps My Diatom filter is a "Whisper Diatomagic Filter " I love this thing!!