Dreaded Hair Algae

Friday, 24 Septrember 2010

Hair algae, the most likely cause

At some point in your reef keeping days you are most likely to come across green hair algae, some more so than others, but what is the cause? There are three simple reasons that i have found to be the cause.
The most likely cause has to be flow or lack of it. If you have any dead spots in your aquarium you will soon find them because this is where this dreadful pest will start. Little tufts of green strands will start to appear. Maybe it is time to upgrade your power head or maybe add another.

The second cause of that should not happen if you are doing regular parameter checks, is high phosphates. Simply resolved by the use of media such as rowaphos. It has to be said that this can be placed in the bag provided into good flow in the aquarium. Better methods include a fluidised reactor, although this creates additional cost but is a much more effective way to deal with the problem.

The final method i have read about is the actual lighting period, Too much of it will create this algae in uncontrollable proportions. Aquariums located near windows or other high light sources in the day are sure to have problems. So moving your aquarium or reducing your lighting time could help reduce green hair algae.

By simply blowing off your rocks on a weekly basis with a power-head will help keep this at bay and help prevent detritus building up.

Snails,crabs etc in my opinion is a waste of time. I have yet to find any that will consume it quick enough to keep it at bay.Actually most times i dont think they touch it at all.

But for my best solution it will cost you money but is 100% effective and i have tried and tested it.

First get the most expensive and overrated skimmer you can for you tank. ie if your tank is 100 gallon go for a skimmer at least twice that.

next start vodka dosing as per table included below.Take it slow as indicated and you will be fine.

I can guarantee the problem will be sorted in no time as the vodka and overrated skimmer give you an ultra low nutrient system.

You will be amazed at how quickly it takes effect in comparrison to all that siphoning,scrubing etc.

overflow box

Noteworthy Points:

Green Light: Return pump ON

Water rises to tank

Return area lowers

Display fills higher

Overflow fills

Overflow drains to sump

Sump fills

Red Light: Return pump OFF

Residual water in plumbing drains
    down

Drilled hole in return line
    breaks siphon

Water in sump and refugium
    rises

Siphon is maintained in
    the overflow box

Sump is tall enough to hold
    excess water

A sump gives you greater control over your reef or fish-only display tank. The benefits far exceed the risks, and thus most successful aquariums you'll see utilize a sump. Some even incorporate a refugium as well. Here are the numerous benefits derived from incorporating a sump into your current setup:

• Increased total water volume - This dilutes your water of accumulating pollutants, and helps avoid issues that occur quickly in sumpless tanks.
• Skims the surface - No more surface scum, just crystal clear water.
• Lowers temperature - I've observed a 2° F drop after the sump is installed.
• Hides equipment - Heaters, protein skimmers, monitoring probes, grounding probes and more can be moved to the sump & out of the display tank.
• Consistent water level - The display tank will maintain the same water level all the times; evaporation occurs in the sump over time (see auto top-off).
• Safe place to pour in additives - Adding chemicals or new (Reverse Osmosis De-Ionized) water in the sump allows it to mix before entering the display tank.
• Increased circulation - The return water from the sump is yet another way to move water in your tank. You can point the return outlet(s) in different directions to create flow, instead of putting more powerheads in your display tank!
• Increased oxygenation - As water drains into your sump, air mixes in the water, allowing beneficial gas exchange, releasing CO₂ and adding fresh O₂.

HOW TO CURE RED SLIME CYANO BACTERIA

Test your water and get the tank within normal conditions to isolate the algae problem. Red algae locks up nitrates, so they may be present even when water tests are fine. If you are not using reverse osmosis water you may want to test for Copper & Phospate as well as the kit basics.

Have plenty of fresh salt water prepared. Take an airline tube and carefully siphon the red slime off your aquarium decor.

Discard the siphoned water and replace it with freshly made saltwater

Do this daily until a healthy macro algae gains a foothold and uses the nutrients in your water instead of the Cyanobacteria. (Red Algae)

Reduce your lighting temporarily.

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Reduce feeding.

Increase circulation.

Replace charcoal.

Remove slimy rocks scrub with brush under running tap water or replace.

use a small sucking tube to suck out red slime.(red algae)

If all else fails go for a product called BLUE LIFE RED SLIME RX.

This will cure your problem instantly and is shocking to see how quick the results are for people who are at the point of breaking down their aquariums.follow instructions closely.

you will find it in one of the links below

Red Cyano Rx:

Benefits: Red Cyano Rx will quickly and effectively treat Cyano Bacteria in your aquarium without harming any of its inhabitants when used as directed. Unlike some other products, Red Cyano Rx will not discolor your aquarium’s water. Red Cyano Rx is safe for all types of Saltwater Aquariums and will not harm any of your fish, corals or other reef invertebrates when used as directed. This package will treat 400 gallons (1514 liters).

Directions: For best results, siphon out as much Cyano Bacteria as possible from your aquarium. Remove 1 cup of water from your aquarium and mix with 1 level scoop of Red Cyano Rx for every 10 gallons (37.9 liters) of true water volume in your aquarium. Dissolve thoroughly and pour solution into the aquarium. You will need to discontinue the use of carbon, protein skimming, and ozone during the treatment period. Do not dose in the evenings when lighting is turned off. After desired results are visible perform a 25% water change and resume the use of carbon, protein skimming, and ozone. If Cyano Bacteria is still visible, perform a 25% water change and repeat dosage.

Note: The best time to start treatment is in the morning when lighting first comes on. Also, it is important to perform a 25% water change after every dose. Warning: This product is for aquarium use only, not for human consumption. Keep out of reach of children. If overdosed, this product could have some effect on aquarium pH and Oxygen levels.