Is it Hair Algae?

[ackermsb]

I have a newly cycled tank which has barely any wattage on it for at most 2.5 hrs per day (nothing in it but rock and worms). On the established LR that I have there is good corraline growth but it seems that on the live rock that was ordered from SWF there are tiny hairs on the rock. I dont know whether its hari algae or not. I had no choice but to use tap water to fill the tank and for current top offs but I do have a typhoon III in the mail on order. I will do at least 2 water changes with it before I put the fish from the QT tank back in.
Well ... does it sounds like hair algae or simply growth on the rock? Can it grow without lights? Will the RO/DI clear this problem up if it is hair algae?
Thanks

 

[lionstorm]

you really shouldn't use tap water, it has things in it that could even be harmful to your live rock.

 

[ackermsb]

Thanks killer.
Not the answer I was looking for.

 

[austinreef]

Lion Storm,
I totally disagree with Tap and LR. Granted, ro/di water may be better, but I filled mine with Tap and now top off with RO, and my LR looks awesome. Just my two cents.

 

[ackermsb]

Can we please not start a tap H20 debate here. I am just curious if the tiny fuzzies (that look like hair) on the LR that is curing is already the beginning of a hair algae outbreak.
I will try and post a pic this week but any info on the subject will help (Other than do not use tap water!!!)
How long does it take to spread ... week, month ... ?just getting a little nervous

 

[beaslbob]

tap woater is fine.
If by little hairs you mean clear transparent ones, they you probably have something like bristle worms on the live rock.
Hair algae will be a brown or green and non treasparent. And can grow to 1-2 inches or more in length. And probably be on more than the rock

 

[ackermsb]

Doesnt really appear to be worms although I should look closer cause it is possible. Seems like and awful lot of bristle worms. Will post a pic as soon as I can

 

[armageddon]

If the tiny hairs are sprouting over the majority of the rock exposed to your lighting source, its probably hair algae. Phosphates, Nitrates, and Silicates all are a food source for hair algae. If its hair algae it will just get worse. In some time you will be able to tell if it is or not.

 

[justinx]

It doesnt sound like hair algae. It does not start as small hairs, but rather clumps that pop up literally overnight. I think that if your tank is newly cycled, then add some cleaners. If it is hair algae, then they will take care of what little you have before it is out of hand. Another reason that I am hesitant to claim this to be hair algae is that your lights are only on less than 3 hours a day. Not really sure what it is, but a picture might help. Using your new RO will help whether it is algae or not.
HTH
Justin

 

[michaeltx]

I agree with Justin hair algae is a pain but is usually green or brown for the start. more than likely is some type of tube that is one the rock rather thanand algae might even bee some sort of macro algae thats on the rocks.
I dont think its bristle worms either though mainly because you would know if it was worms that were there either form movement or actually seeing the worms themselfs. the bristles usually arent long enough notto see the worm either.
as far as the RO vs TAP is long debated but without proof of whats in your water (complete analysis of haevy metals and all) you are taking a gamble on the critters in the tank. and personally I would like the little added insurance that a RO unit provides than the risks with out it.
Mike

 

[birdy]

Does it look like your LR has short grass growing on it, if feels sort of firm like grass then I think it is a type of macro algae, I got this on a piece of LR, it really did not spread just stayed on that particular rock. hair algae is very soft and waves in the water.