green hair algae eaters

[drgriff]

OK, I have the beginnings of a green hair algae outbreak. I have algae growing on only 2 of my LR but I don't want it to spread any further. I have cleaned it off the rock a couple of times with a modified toothbrush but I need some "professionals". I have done a water change about 1 1/2 weeks ago and I am gearing up for another one in a few days. I don't have a phosphate kit but plan to order one. I also want to order some critters to help with my "situation". I have some turbos and troccus snails but I was planning on ordering some narcissus snails, some emerald crabs and some red legged hermits. I was told by a friend that this was the best "green hair crew". Is it? Is there anything better to help control the green hair nightmare?

 

[clarkiiboi]

No expert----but I heard some mexican turbos will, and the trochus does eat algea, but not sure if hair algea. I had a small spot for months (never spread...go figure) and I finally broke down and got a lawnmower blenny, and it was gone in a week or so. Getting a phos. kit would help, just to see if that is a factor. Most problems (like me) begin with tap water, just adding to the problem. What kind of water do you use? HTH

 

[attml]

Some of these are hit or miss but, my yellow tang ate the little bit that I had and so did my Pygmy Cherub Angel. Also known to eat hair algae are emerald crabs, lawnmower blennies and lettuce nudibranches.

 

[wolffam]

My astra snails are mowing down my hair algae bloom. Lettuce nudi is only getting a small amount at a time. My sally is having a feast nightly on the stuff. Also heard that the lawnmower bleenie works well, but after the algae is gone you'll need to feed it with algae sheets. HTH