hair algae

[shobby]

Yet another question about hair algae, how can you get rid of it? I have been fighting it for months and it seems to be winning.I have bought urchins and snails but nothing.
The LFS said it could be my lights, they are three years old, they said that after a year the bubs should be changed that something burns out and the light will let in red something another which allows the algae to grow. Is this true?
Shell

 

[laurenlee]

I battled with hair algae in my reef tank for about 6 months. I tried several different products that are out there with NO results. I was told to keep scrubbing your rocks getting as much as you can while doing regular water changes. It was finally gone after much attention. It's a beast!! GOOD LUCK!

 

[alix2.0]

yeah, you definately need to change your bulbs.
what are your water parameters? are you using tap water, RO, or RODI?

 

[shobby]

I don't know the parametrs but I use tap water, I have had yhe aquarium up and running fo about five years and only recently have I had this problem.
The lights can be a factor though... Do they need to be change every year?
Shell
Also what would I use to scrub the rock? Should I change the water weekly, daily or a couple times a week?
Thanks for all the help

 

[krisrtch]

i had a battle with hair algae we used a tooth brush to scrub it off and it was gone in a week. also got away from using tap and using strickly RO haven't come back yet.

 

[trainfever]

Hair algae is caused by phosphates in our tap water. If you have to use tap water, then go to your LFS and purchase Phosguard. It absorbs phosphate from your water.

 

[alivia's 12 gl]

I had hair algea.....
1st....u need to do more water changes often....
2nd...scrub ure rock if u can take it out and scrub in saltwater if no corals
3rd...pull out whatever u can tryin not to spread it....
4th...change ure filter media....
5th...take out ure sand beeding and replace....or crushed coral..etc..
6th...it takes a month if you do all those things.....the hair algea is a problem but the problem can be corrected... but u can win....just dont do alll that at once u will shock ure tank....slow is the key ......remove the bad get the good...Alivia

 

[flame hawk]

a lawn mower blenny help a lot with hair algae and he looks cool bounceing around on the rocks with his fat tummy