Algea

[bdubbya]

I've started getting what looks like hair algea growing on my sand bed. Right now it is really short and it looks as though it has a red tint to it. I was told by my lfs that an emerald crab would eat it, and he also suggested a dragon goby. Anyone have any experiences that may help, or suggestions. One more thing, could the fact that my protien skimmer was out of commision for a week have anything to do with it? T4AH.

 

[carrie1429]

That sounds like red hair algea. Emerald or blue leg hermits will take care of that for you, also chocolate chip starfish work very well with eating algea too.

 

[slick]

How old is the tank?
Has it just finished the cycle?
Need more info to understand the problem. Like Carrie said those crabs will do a nice job of keeping it in check.

 

[bdubbya]

The tank is about four months old. I only use ro/di water for my changes. I did use tap water on the initial setup of the aquarium. Today it doesn't so much look red it just looks like hair algea. I went ahead and bought the emerald crab and a water pump to get some more water flow towards the front of the tank, which is where the algea is growing. Hope that gives you a better idea. T4AH.