Algae Problem

[sharkman24]

Im having an algae problem with my 65 gal tank. Anout 2 weeks ago I came home from a long weekend to find a green carpet covering my nice white sand.
Nothing has changed in my tank that I can pinpoint , any ideas??

 

[tsl]

Get some Mexican Red Leg hermits. They will devour that stuff.

 

[h2oengr]

I had hair algae all over recently. Check your phosphates. Since it wasn't a standard test in my kit, I wasn't checking the level. However, this nutrient will stimulate algae growth.
Of course the red legged hermits won't hurt at all. I came home with 10 blue legged hermits, a phosphate kit and a phosphate sponge. I hate spending $60 on chemicals and cleaners! I'd much rather buy a coral or something!

 

[sharkman24]

Thank you for your replies, I didnt want to have to use any chemicals or anything but if its the only thin that will work then I will do it for the time being. I really need to invest in an R/O system for this tank.

 

[cincyreefer]

When you say green carpet, what exactly do you mean? Is it long and "hair" looking, or is it just a dark green covering (cyanobacteria) that gets worse the longer the lights are on?

 

[nm reef]

There are numerous factors that can contribute to algae problems...high on the list is water source. If you are using tap water that alone can cause algae associated problems. While you were away how did you maintain your water level? Were your lights on timers? :thinking: