Why hair algae now???

[reb]

I have had my 75 gal reef tank running for over a year and a half and have never had any hair algae. This week I found some growing on the end of my return water tube, on the siphon tube in my over flow skimmer box, and on the inside of my skimmer box. I have not added anything new or changed the way I upkeep the tank with the exception of adding a wet/dry system two months ago. What could be causing the hair algae, and how do I get rid of it in these unusual spots???

 

[reb]

I forgot to ask if anyone knew why my turbo snails won't eat it?

 

[dreeves]

Do you clean the bio media in your wet/dry? Could be harboring debris and creating excess nitrate.

 

[reb]

I just changed the foam filter. Should I clean the bio balls? If so, how many do I clean, and how do I clean them?

 

[dreeves]

You save a 5 gallon bucket of your tank water during a water change...put the balls in there and just rinse them out good...

 

[nas19320]

What about your lighting? How old are the bulbs?

 

[reb]

Tank is 1 1/2 years old. It is a 75 gal with about 125 lbs of LR. Lights are pushing 10 months old. Just waiting for my upgrades to arrive. Power compacts. I will try rinsing some of the bio balls tomorrow when I do a water change. To get rid of some of the hair algae should I rub it off in the water or will that cause it to spread?

 

[broomer5]

What are your nitrate and phosphate readings ?

 

[marvida]

In the past I have started getting green algae when my PC lights were due for a change. Depending on how long they are on each day 10 months is about time for a change.

 

[coloradodeb]

May I ask what type of water you are using? tap.....ro?

 

[reb]

Right now I have florecent bulbs. They run 13 hours a day and are coming up on 10 months old. I haven't replaced them because I'm waiting for my new pc lights to arrive. My nitrates are at 20 and I don't have a phosphate test kit. I use city water with an additive to eliminate chlorine.

 

[marvida]

IMO, it's probably a combo of things. Your 'trates and your lights to start with. Try to find a source for RO or RO/DI (preferrably). IMO the best tap water in the country is not as good as RO/DI. Algae needs nutrients and the right wavelength of light to thrive, it sounds like yours has both.