Long Green Hair Algae

[LaFishLover]

I am having a little trouble with LGHA. I went to a local fish store anf he told me about a product called ALGAFIX. He said it was designed for fresh water tank but has been used in saltwater tanks and it seems to not harm crabs and shrimp like it does in fresh water. Has anybody out there used it or what do any of my fish friends think.

 

[drty811]

well i have never heard of salties using algaefix. i went through the same thing and all i did was scrub it of the LR with an old toothbrush. there are fish that will eat the hair algae. youll also have to keep up with water changes and maintance. HTH

 

[islandcreation]

LaFishLover,

I have never heard of that either. Best way is to have a good flow and cut down on your lights for now. Thats what worked for me. Once a larger portion has been reduced get an algae blenny, or you can get it out manuely like drty811 suggest.

For me, I left for vacation and left the lights timed at 10hrs a day. I got back with an out break of long hair algae every where, plus no water changes for a week. I got feedback on a better flow and cut the lights back. I added a powerhead for better flow and reduced the lights. After a week everything came under control and thats when I added a algae blenny.... Hope this can help.

 

[LaFishLover]

I am sort of new at this. What type of powerhead for an Aquapod 24 gal.? Will it be easy to install? Thanks for all the help.

 

[mikeguerrero]

Long hair algae in my opinion is dfficult to treat. There really isn't any type of med that can target this stubborn plant without causing other problems wiht your reef.

And there isn't any type of critter that eats this algae. I have had a mature tank for almost a year and have seen that the long hair algae will grow where there is a lot of water flow and plenty of light.

My patch grows out of control in the return overflow grill. Best solution for the erradication of this alage is reefer intervention; reach in and yank it out and brush the excess off the rocks with a toothbrush.

MG

 

[Jennie]

I agree, before adding any chemicals into your tank look for a different way to treat the problem, whether it be manually, clean up crew, or look for the source that is actually causing the particular problem and work from that angle.

 

[skipm]

I have to agree, if you try chemically treating it you are just trading one problem for potentially another. Try to find out why you have it and make changes to get rid of it. In the meantime go with manual removal, additional current, change bulbs if its time, make sure temps are stable, and add to your janitors if necessary.

 

[LaFishLover]

Thanks for all the feed back. I have cut back on the white lights so they aren't on as long. I will start scrubbing with the tooth brush and will not add the chemicals.