CorbettB- Welcome to the Saltwaterfish.com forum
Soundsl like you do have hair algea, something we don't want. Remember this if you forget anything else.
"Nitrates and Phosphates are equal to fertilizer and will cause all kinds of bad algeas to occur."
Your lighting can also be a factor in this.
Now if you can positivly identify your algea as the hair algea then there are ways that you can reduce the nutrients that are feeding it. I personally do not recommend getting a fish to do the job as this does not cure the problem.
Your nitrates and your phosphates may be the problem and to reduce them you can try the following steps.
Phosphates:
The use of a phosphate sponge which are beads or chips of a porous material designed for the absorbsion of PO4. Simply place in a micron bag and put it in a high flow area.
Dripping a kalkwasser solution to maintain alkalinity and calcium can reduce the amount of phosphates in a tank.
Be careful about feeding, many foods that we feed our fish contain phosphates, particularly frozen foods.
Water chages using RO or RO/DI water
Nitrates:
There are also Nitrate sponges, use just like the PO4 removers.
The use of Macro Algea's or magroves in a sump or fuge or seperate planted tank that is attached to the system.
The use of a DSB or deep sand bed, can process the nitrates out of the system by completing the denitrification cycle and coverting them to a harmless gas that escapes the aquarium
Reduce your feeding and the fish will reduce thier waste
A protien skimmer will also assist in removing the dissolved organic compounds created by fish waste and uneaten food by removing them before they become a problem.
Water changes using RO or RO/DI water.
Good luck
Thomas
