stumped about hair algae

[nitrous]

the times before, i was told that hair algae is caused by low nitrates, however, my nitrates are around 10 and i still have brown hair algae all over.

what is causing this and how can i get rid of it? it doesnt look like its killing the plants like the blue green algae but it makes my tank look cloudy. so what can i do to get rid of it.

nitrates-10
20G
48 watts
5kh co2
ph 7.6

tia

 

[ringfinger]

A reading of 10ppm on the AP No3 test kit can really mean closer to 5 or 0. Bump No3 to 15-20ppm so you KNOW you have some decent levels. I shoot for more of a red-orange color than a yellow-orange when I dose.

Your Phosphate levels would be important to know.

Something is not right with your Co2, and you may want to start using some Excel until you figure it out.

 

[Jchillin]

I cannot refute the advice regarding nitrates to combat hair algae. I had some, dosed nitrate via Flourish nitrogen and haven't seen it since.

 

[nitrous]

i have that and i added a capfull (2.5ml) today how much more should i dose for 20 gallons?

 

[ringfinger]

http://www.leon-huang.com/doser/

Use this. Your tank is approx 76 liters.

Each ml you add increases your No3 by approx 1ppm. Works out pretty simple for a 20g tank!

After your next PWC of 50% I would measure No3(It will most likely appear more yellow than orange), and dose 15ml of Flourish Nitrogen. Just my $.02

BUT, your Co2 is still an issue. You need to either figure out how the Co2 is escaping the water or buy some Excel in the very near future.

 

[nitrous]

well for the co2, i usually full the tank about 2 cm below the output of the filter and the tank iosmnt covered and i have no air wands. what else will be making it go out of the water.

so ya ill check it after the next water change and should i get it to about 15-20?

 

[Purrbox]

Try to get it so that the water level is either even with or above the filter output. This will minimize splashing and allow the water to just create a ripple when entering the tank.