How to get rid of hair algae?

[wwfstyle]

I switched my MH for 15k to 10 about 2 months ago and the algae is taking off. What critters can I use to get rid of it? It's mostly just the top of my LR where the light is strong and I have about 130# of LR in my 75 gallon set up. It's been up for a couple of years now and never had a problem like this. Any suggestions would be a geat help. My LFS says that I should take the LR out and scub it off with a toothbrush, but with this much LR it is impossible for me to do. My corals need the light so reduceing the light time I dont think would be a good idea eigther. Any other ideas?

 

[fishtk75]

Originally Posted by wwfstyle
I switched my MH for 15k to 10 about 2 months ago and the algae is taking off. What critters can I use to get rid of it? It's mostly just the top of my LR where the light is strong and I have about 130# of LR in my 75 gallon set up. It's been up for a couple of years now and never had a problem like this. Any suggestions would be a geat help. My LFS says that I should take the LR out and scub it off with a toothbrush, but with this much LR it is impossible for me to do. My corals need the light so reduceing the light time I dont think would be a good idea eigther. Any other ideas?

I asked the same thing for my 120 with 10k's I started I did the same thing to tank as you did they told me here to get button urchins,blenny algae eaters, blueleg and multcolor crabs.
Is the water numbers ok as nitrates,Phos.nothing changed?
When we use now 10k's it has more white light to grow every thing in the tank even the algae

 

[symon]

Your Answer is! CULTIVATE AND SCRUB!
I had the same problem, 2x 400 watt 20k bulbs! darn shame the only place i can grow hair is in my fishtank!

I tried Tangs, more hermits, snails, everything! Urchins do help but i had to scrub off my LR and cultivate for months! :scared:
Good Luck!

 

[wwfstyle]

Water test are fine, nothing out of wack yet (knock on wood). It is impossible for me to take the LR rock due to all the corals and things attaching to differtent LR. Also I have a few big 25# LR in the tank so it makes it even harder to move. Now you said blue legged hermits. Would scarlets do the same? I just bought 15 thinking it would help with the job. I'll try the urchin. Always wanted one for my tank. But thxs for your guys input. nice know other people did have the same problem when they switch to the 10k's.

 

[pclown]

I am with you, I upgraded my lights to MH and in two months Hair algae. I do know that blue leg hermits eat it because my LFS got several feather duster in and they were covered with hair algae so he put each one in with about 30 blue legs in a small container and a week later you would never know they had any hair algae. I saw them when they came in and what they look like now and I have already added 10 but I am going to buy 10 - 20 more.