Hair Algae

[motor38]

I change my filters every 6 months carbon+ sediment. My tds meter reads 670 in and 14 out . I have a post di filter but have not used it because I did not notice any differance.

[ChuckG]

Originally Posted by motor38

I use kent now before was tropic marin I can not get M E here ,

I've used Kent in the past and didn't care for it. Every time I did a large water change I'd be looking at a mass diatom bloom. I switched to ME. If ME is not available close to you then you can purchase online and have it delivered to your door.

Originally Posted by motor38

I change my filters every 6 months carbon+ sediment. My tds meter reads 670 in and 14 out . I have a post di filter but have not used it because I did not notice any differance.

You should be reading 0 TDS coming out of your system. Filter changes should probably be done closer to every 3 months and maybe more often. Depends on how much water you are putting through the system. I would definately put the DI back into action. My original unit, I couldn't seem to get the TDS to 0. I even changed the membrane and was still getting 12 - 13 coming out of the system. I eventually found the problem. The DI unit was screwed on incorrectly and it smashed the plastic piece on the top of the filter and I was getting some water that bypassed the DI portion. Once I changed that filter I've been reading 0 ever since. 14 TDS is on the high side and could very well be contributing to your problem.

I would change all filters except the membrane and then get a new reading.

[motor38]

ME is not available in Canada from what I saw.

[ChuckG]

Ah - I believe you are correct. Are you near the border? - have it shipped to an address just this side of the border.

I once needed to order some stuff from a wholesaler that could not ship to an address within the same state. I bought it and had it shipped to a relatives house and they turned around and shipped it back to me. Of course you are looking at double shipping this way but for me, it was still worth it.

Other than that, I'd check this forum for good salt mixes. I know I've read one or two. Maybe you'll just have to settle for second best.

[brbradle]

Hello

I am looking for some guidance on eliminating/ controlling green hair algae.

I have a 65 gal with live rock, sand, 3 damsel fish, 1 clown, 1 anenome, a few polops, 1 mushroom, about a dozen crabs, a dozen snails and a tuxedo urchin. (forgive my spelling errors). Filtration is by live rock, Fluval canister filter and mud refugium with different type of macro algae. Tank lighting is compact florescents (acentic and daylight by coralife) on 9 hours a day, stepped from acentic to both back down to acentic to lunar led. Refugium lighting is florescents on 12 hours at night only.
All water parameters are in check, ph is around 8.1. The salinity is 1.026. Tank temp is 76- 78 degrees.

I cant seem to get a handle on this green hair algae. It is everywhere even on the silly snails. Any suggestions to get rid of this stuff?

[ChuckG]

Do a search on this forum for "green hair algae". There is lots of info already posted that should give you some answers as to why and what to do.

[olsaltybastard]

What type of media are you using in the canister filter? I use a Fluval canister on my planted tank and as it clogs, it builds nitrates to feed the plants. This is good for FW use, but probably fueling your algae with lots of nutrients.

If your bulbs are getting old, that may also be an issue.

One last point that I can see is the fuge lighting. If you want the macro algae to out-compete the hair algae, you have to level the playing field; the hair algae gets CF's while the fuge gets standard fluorescents. Dummy Depot sells 65watt, 6500K flood lights for less than $40 that can go a long way to helping you out.

Keep an eye on your phosphate and nitrate levels as they tend to fuel unwanted algae.

[cUddlefish]

Phosphate is a common culprit. When combined with other factors it explodes.

Use a salt that does not have Phosphates

OR

Use a media that removes phosphates like Boyd's Chemi Pure.

[ChuckG]

OK, what's up? The last time I attempted to help someone with an algae issue they were referred to previous posts and the thread was immediately closed.

I suspect the canister filter, maybe lights are old, bad salt or overfeeding.

[brbradle]

After doing a search as Chuck suggested, it sounds like this may be a function of new tank syndrome (my tank is about 8 months). The lights are new (bithday present Nov). No measurable phosphate. The Fluval has carbon and the little plastic crosses for the bacteria to live in.

I am getting some mixed messages regarding using the Fluval canister filter. I think I will plan to add more live rock and move away from the canister. Currently I have about 100 lbs of LR so maybe another 50 lbs or so.

Thanks for all the feedback.