Hair algae

[swervo513]

Hello all,

I had an outbreak of dark hairy algae months ago with no apparent or direct cause. It has taken over my drift wood and looks just terrible. What do i do to get rid of it? If I didnt clean my glass regularly it would be everywhere. I have been doing weekly water changes since it started. The plecos dont seem to mind it but I still want it gone. Any advice?

Thanks
Larry

 

[lipadj46]

turn off your lights and keep up with water changes. You may need to physically get rid of it though or use H2O2. Some also use glutaraldehyde to kill and control BBA.

 

[joe jaskot]

Are you sure it is hair algae and not blue green algae (cyanobacteria)?

 

[swervo513]

it seems pretty hairy to me lol i guess ill shut lights more

 

[seedubs1]

I just let it grow in my tank (except the viewing glass, I clean that off pretty frequently). It eats Nitrates, and keeps them down. I haven't tested anything other than 0/0/0 for ammonia/nitrite/nitrate for a LONG time now.

Using high output lighting can contribute to more algae growth. If you are using a higher output system, you might want to look into limiting the time it's on or getting something with lower output. I've got 10k reef lighting on my f/w setup, and it grows that green hairy algae like nobodys business.

 

[jdhuegel1]

I remove the wood and scotch pad the crap out of it. Comes back a little less each time. I'm not sure what would get rid of it for good though...

 

[swervo513]

I remove the wood and scotch pad the crap out of it. Comes back a little less each time. I'm not sure what would get rid of it for good though...

not a bad idea.. i will try that.

Thanks for the replies. Very helpful.