Brown Hair Algae

[raymac]

Looking for some advice on how to go about controlling the brown hair algae in my 30gal..
Here's the steps I've taken so far:
-- frequent water changes
-- added 2 MaxiJet MP 600 powerheads for more flow
-- I've got 5 Mexican Turbos on order from SWF, to receive tomorrow
-- A lawnmower blenny, to receive tomorrow
I had a hang-on wet/dry which I've gotten rid of and I've gone with a sump. With the sump, I'm running a Mag-5 with a ball valve for output from the sump and a Rio 600 to drive the skimmer box (no U-Tube).
So, I think I've got the flow much better. I'm hoping the Blenny and Mexicans do the job in the next couple of weeks. If not, should I remove the LR and try to pull the hair algae out by hand in a bucket of saltwater?
Next is to get rid of the crushed coral. Am I on the right track?
Thanks, Ray

 

[striker]

Those sound like good steps. I'm in the same battle. So far I bought new bulbs and cut back lighting by 50%. I also cut back feedings to every other day. I reach in and pull the nasty hair out by hand on the weekends. It helps for a while but keeps coming back. I've done several water changes. I found out that my wife was using spring water instead of distilled as top-off. Finally I just ordered phospate remover from kent marine. Should be arriving tomorrow. I'll let you know if that does the trick. Good luck.

 

[thomas712]

raymac - I would suggest that you also get some or, if you have some, hermit crabs like the scarlet ones and keep placing them on the hair algea.
I would also like to know what your test scores for: Phosphate, nitrate, alk, ph and cal are.
When you change your water you are vaccuming the CC right? Is the water almost always yellow? Are you running carbon at all?
Thomas

 

[raymac]

Thomas, you might just have hit it on the head here.
I haven't been vacuuming the crushed coral, didn't know if it was
an issue to disturb pods, worms, etc.
I just did a water change last night.
I've got to add stuff from SWF.com tonight, but I'll do a good vacuum job this weekend, and another water change (40-50%).
I did put a Magnum 350 with carbon in it for a couple of weeks, a couple of weeks ago. I can also put some carbon in the sump.
Hoping this should help.........thanks.
Also, Striker, is this something you've been doing or not doing also?
Thanks for both responses..........I appreciate your help and interest.....Ray