slight hair algae problem

[pnkflydlvr]

i have been dealing with a slight hair algae problem in my live sand. although not excessive, it does enough to make the sand look less appealing. it has also been isolated to the sand and doesn't grow on the rocks, glass, etc. all of my water parameters are in order and the light (156 watts) stays on for about 10 hours a day. i have tried water changes, less light, and harvesting it (this doesn't work that great because it is stuck to the top layer of sand, which comes out with the algae). i have an emerald mithrax crab and some nass and turbo snails, but they don't seem to be doing much good. any other suggestions as of how to deal with this problem? thanks.

 

[gmr48]

i had this same problem a month ago what i did was a 25% water change, shut the lights off, and covered the tank with a blanket 4 days later it was all gone, also pull out as much as you can by hand!!

 

[sickboy]

Is there any direct sunlight that hits the tank? I didn't have prob with algae until just recently, and I figured out that it is because with the sun being lower in the sky between about 9-10:30 direct light hits my tank.
Otherwise, I have a friend that has had success with nitrate reducer in a power filter.

 

[pnkflydlvr]

the tank is upstairs and now that you mention it there is sunlight hitting it at certain times of the day, but i don't see how i can prevent that. also, i can't completely shut off the light because i have a fish and 2 corals

 

[sickboy]

You could shut the light off for a couple days with no ill consequences to the fish or coral, but I imagine that trying to eliminate or reduce the direct sunlight would help.

 

[socal57che]

Is the area of green hair growth lacking flow?
Nutrients could be accumulating in that area feeding the algae.
Sunlight offers a spectrum of light that green hair likes. Block the sunlight if at all possible.
What do you feed? Frozen foods should be thawed and drained so the protein rich water (as ice) does not enter the tank. Switch from flakes if you feed flake food. They release phosphates into the water quickly.
Do you have a skimmer running?
Skimmers remove particulates from the water column. I.E., dissolved food and waste which green hair uses for food.
Hope this helps.
BTW, do you have a refugium where you could cultivate macroalgae like chaetomorpha?

 

[big]

Originally Posted by sickboy
http:///forum/post/2846825
You could shut the light off for a couple days with no ill consequences to the fish or coral, but I imagine that trying to eliminate or reduce the direct sunlight would help.
Yep, backing you lighting way back for a few days or even a little more will not hurt your critters(corals included), but it will starve the green stuff out.......

 

[pnkflydlvr]

no, the tank has good water flow as my liverock is positioned with many holes and crevices. i also have a koralia pump and emperor filter which provide plenty water movement. my phosphates are at 0. the algae also grows over all the sand and not just in some places. btw, i also have a skimmer (seaclone) which i know many people on here don't like, but i think it works fine. i can try to post some pictures when i get the chance to give everyone a better idea of my setup. i'm planning on getting some hermit crabs next week. i will also try reducing the light for a couple of days.

 

[socal57che]

Reducing the photo period may reduce the algae growth, but the food source will remain. Without removing the algae's food source it will return when you bring your photo period back to normal.
A zero phos reading may not be accurate because the algae is absorbing the phosphate from your water.
Stepping up water changes, and using RO water only, will also help reduce particulates and dissolved solids.
Removing light does not remove the food source from the water.

 

[pnkflydlvr]

i never thought about that. i'm gonna do a 20% or so water change tomorrow. thanks!