Hair algae update

[Anonymous]

The hair algae is still here and thriving.

its even growing on the PVC pipes (closed loops and return). They cant be leaching phosphates?

I added phosguard.

The LR is about half populated with the dreaded hair algae again. it grows in the high current areas ans well as the low current areas.

May be time to get new stuff again if I am to continue. I tested everthing again and no readings of PO4 (I know being used up bu the algae before a reading). No nitrates either.

RO/DI/DI still reads 0.

Just spent all this money on another new skimmer, kalk reactor, bulbs, pumps, snails and crabs, and still no light at the end of the tunnel.

Just have to vent because this is really trying my patience and my wallet without even buying corals or fish.
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[NMreefer]

I feel your pain brother! I've battled it a few times myself. Almost driving me out of the hobby. If there is anything I can do to help don't be afraid to ask.

Phillip

 

[Anonymous]

How about the miracle hair algae removal juice?
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[Fastmarc]

Just be patient. Having been there myself, I know your pain.
Remember to keep 'reaping' trhe hair algae as much as possible. Keep the pumps off while you do it to help prevent any escaping and floating off/

 

[Anonymous]

I feel for you Rob because I know you have tried everything. Hang in there!

Louey

 

[Anonymous]

But I really want to start adding some corals.
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[BOMPH]

I have a tried and true method ( it has worked for me a number of times, setting up new tanks, and for a friend once I gave him the info )

1) Buy a Magnum HOT canister filter, and get the 'vacuum attacthment' for it. I used it for the process I describe below, as well as running carbon when needed. This thing has a million uses with the vacuum hose attatched. I would also use it while cleaning algae off the glass. I rigged up the scraper to the hose in such a way that as I scraped, it removed the scrapings. A little anal retentive, I know

2) Let the algae grow. I let my tank sit for 2 months before I bothered to do the following.

3) Get the vacuum set up, get the hose intake near the area of attack, and then scrub the affected area, making sure to suck up the broken off hairs into the vacuum.

4) Rinse, repeat, and only use 'processed' water ( TWP, PO/DI ) for changes. Eventually it will have 'soaked' up what was giving it life, and you will have removed any particles that could repopulate said nutrients back into the tank

I know this is not the quick fix, but it works like a charm. The hardest part is watching the reef become a mess, but in the end, you wont have to worry about it once the wait is over.

In that time you just let the tank sit, you will likely have a pod bloom as well, and they will take up residence in the hair. Make sure to blow them out of their homes with a turkey baster or something so that removing the hair doesn't remove/kill the pods.

I assume by your other posts that this is a new tank without any inhabitants in it? You would not want to do this method without any corals in the tank, for obvious reasons.

Do you have an RO/DI? if not, then buy one before you buy any animals.

 

[KoCook]

:idea: Have you tried a fuge with Chaetomorpha Macro :?:

 

[Anonymous]

The tank has been running for 1.5 years. The contents were from a 46 that was running for 2 years before.

There is no sign of micro life on the LR or anywhere. (Might be part of the problem)

I do not have room for a refugium. Posibly a 5 gallon tank but that will elimate my access to the sump for any access at all.
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[Anonymous]

Rob

I am with you. after 3 years on this tank I am fighting my first hair algae out break. I'm thinking I nuked my sand bead when treating for flat worms. I think I have it under control now. I have cut way back on my feedings, keep my skimmer clean and stay on top of the weekly water changes. I have not been harvesting the algae unless it threatens a coral. I figure if I can get to the source I can use the algae against itself. So far it seems to be working and it is slowly reeceding.

 

[Anonymous]

Allot of people say I shouldn't add any corals to my tank due to the algae. There is a few corals in the tank now but definetly needs allot more. If I cant add corals and the hair algae keeps growing it is useless to have this tank unless I want to just grow algae.
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[delv]

How would adding more corals that may eventually get covered in hair algae be satisfying in any way? Just chill out, put as little in the tank as possible (food), and maybe remove a few rocks at water change time and scrub and shake them in the changed out water...maybe this will dislodge detritous in/on the rock. Don't get any more corals...adjust your skimmer to remove a wet foam too...hth's

d.

 

[Anonymous]

Anyone got good prices on LR?
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