I have recently developed filamentous algae - commonly called hair algae. It is spreading a bit and I need to try to control before it gets out of control. I have hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, starfish(s), sea urchin, emerald crab, lawn mower (rock) blenny and nothing seems to eat this stuff.
Water parameters are almost perfect. Phosphate is not high and I even placed phosban in the sump, just in case.
I was adding Iron, but someone told me to stop, since that could be causing the hair algae to grow...? Any ideas?
stop adding the iron and see if that helps it any. give it a week or so and see in you get any difference. it could be that you clean up crew cant keep up with the algae growth
What are your phosphate readings, what are your Nirtate readings, and finally, what type, and how old are the bulbs in your lighting. Also, test your tank for calcium and alkalinity.
as bulbs age, the spectrum of light they give off changes. The altered spectrum feeds the undesirable algaes. PC bulbs are good for only about a year.
any phosphates and nitrates will feed the undesirable algaes, however, Coraline algae also feeds on trace amounts of phosphates. Control of your phosphates and nitrates is better achieved via regular water changes, and natural nutrient export. Phosphate removers can actually hinder your coraline growth. Better bet would be to ensure that the top-off and water change water has no phosphates. If you have nitrates above 0, you should look into the type of macro you have (if any) in your sump. Macro algaes will help to consume the nitrates in the system.
Finally, youll want to keep your calcium levels in the tank up around 450. This will encourage coreline algae growth. The coreline algae will in turn feed off of the nutrients in the system and will starve out (or at least hinder its proliferation) the undesirable algaes.
one additional note, make sure youre not over feeding.
Lot's of good advice in this string. The only additional thing I can think of is getting a Sea Hare. The only thing that I know of the eats hair algae. I put 1 in my bio cube when I developed it. He seems to be doing a good job controlling it.
The only thing to watch out for in a small tank is if he eats the entire food supply. I'm planning on switching him to my larger tank when that happens.
Good luck!
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