Serious Algae Issue

AnotherLousy1 · 04-14-2008, 02:58 PM

Hello all -

I have a new 58 Gallon setup going and over the past week, I have this "algae" growing all over my live rock. I thought at first it was byropis, but in talking with another saltwater enthusiast, he said he'd never seen byropis this large. Anyone help me out with some identification?

Thanks in advance

P.S. The algae is feathery in appearance and the stems it is sitting on look to be more fragile than hardy/sturdy. Of course where it seems the worse is in the higher flow area of the tank. Currently have 10 Scarlet Hermits, 10 Nerite snails, 10 Cerinth snails, 5 Onyx Nassaris, and 5 Chestnut Turban snails as cleanup crew. Borrowed 1 lettuce slug from friend when I thought the issue was byropis.

tippMANn98 · 04-14-2008, 03:01 PM

looks like the old fashioned HAIR ALGAE!!! i have a friend that has been trying to battle this for a year now...to no avail

CREEPIN · 04-14-2008, 03:09 PM

sea hare, get some..

lcstorc · 04-14-2008, 03:10 PM

Hair algae it is.
Remove as much as you can by hand.
Do lots of water changes and reduce nutrients in the water.
If you are not already start using RO/DI water for all changes and top-offs.

CREEPIN · 04-14-2008, 03:12 PM

and get some sea hares lol

vdituri · 04-14-2008, 03:25 PM

Or a goat.
Thats a fine crop of hair algae.
I never realized how fortunate I was with my 55 till now.
Best of luck on the battle.

framerguy · 04-14-2008, 04:27 PM

Wow! Someone here has in their signature the line; "You can't grow hair algae like this..don't even try rookie",..well, you are giving them a run for their money. That's the best I've ever seen. Get a seahare, QUICK! And get those nitrates and phosphates under control.

lcstorc · 04-14-2008, 04:28 PM

Even a sea hare isn't going to be able to plow through it that long. Try to get as much out as you can or at least cut it as short as you can so the sea hare can get to work.

Believe it or not, I have a friend who's tank is worse. Basically all you see in the 125 is HA from end to end.

CREEPIN · 04-14-2008, 04:29 PM

If U Get 3 And Cut Some U Should Be Fine...

mosdojaf · 04-14-2008, 09:04 PM

This is how I got the hair algae when i had it a long time ago. First you hae to cut it as low as possible. I used a 5 gallon bucket of tank water after a water change. Then I took a new small scrub brush, or toothbrush, and scrub the area. Have a second container of tank water or ro, to pour over the rock and wash it off then place it back in the tank. You don't have to do every rock at once, pick a few a week or water change and only scrub the spots needed. Eventually it will be gone.

AnotherLousy1 · 04-14-2008, 09:05 PM

Thanks all for the responses. I never had this issue in my 29 biocube (not sure why), but with this tank, the "now known" hair algae has just been consuming the tank. Going to do some trimming tonight, a water change, and order a couple sea hairs. Keep your fingers crossed.

Thanks again everyone

AnotherLousy1 · 04-14-2008, 10:38 PM

OK, just looked at a few sea hares. EWWWWW! :lol

Is there anything else that will eat green hair algae? I was reading about a lawnmower blenny, but then again, I see the lawnmower blennies can get testy over time, and especially if he was the first in the tank. Holy frijoles, I feel like such a beginner again.

Thanks again in advance

Varga · 04-14-2008, 10:43 PM

I have found nothing that eats that algae. have not tried hares yet though.
chances are it will eat it, die, and algae comes right back.

are you over feeding at all? I think a small amount of hair algae is normal but something is feeding it in your tank for sure

sasquatch · 04-14-2008, 11:10 PM

Its back to basics, what is your water source, what additives are you using, do you have a skimmer, have you started using rowaphos yet? Remove as much as possible by hand, I wont do water changes as it just fuels it more (up to you) my theory is let it drain the nutrients by it self, when it slows down start the attack, alc up to 12 or 13 dkh, mag at 12 to 1300, rowaphos both tank and topoff water, when it starts to go clear or white I use a 3/8 id tubing with a length of 3/8 od rigid air line tubing a bucket with filterfloss and start to siphon it out, put your finger over the rigid tubing while draining allow the HA to go into the pipe, trap it with your finger and pull, its a WAR! take no prisoners lol

CREEPIN · 04-15-2008, 10:24 AM

I Think They Look Like Shrek!

04-14-2008, 02:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
AnotherLousy1 Somewhere Beyond The Sea Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Salty Haven Posts: 259 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Serious Algae Issue Hello all - I have a new 58 Gallon setup going and over the past week, I have this "algae" growing all over my live rock. I thought at first it was byropis, but in talking with another saltwater enthusiast, he said he'd never seen byropis this large. Anyone help me out with some identification? Thanks in advance P.S. The algae is feathery in appearance and the stems it is sitting on look to be more fragile than hardy/sturdy. Of course where it seems the worse is in the higher flow area of the tank. Currently have 10 Scarlet Hermits, 10 Nerite snails, 10 Cerinth snails, 5 Onyx Nassaris, and 5 Chestnut Turban snails as cleanup crew. Borrowed 1 lettuce slug from friend when I thought the issue was byropis. __________________ Lynnette Keep up with my small piece of the ocean 58 Gallon Reef Chronicle Or just go directly to the 58 Gallon webcam to see what's happening today. Web Cam userid: rsreefers password: reeffun Click the single tab and you're all set to view. HAVE FUN! "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish" - Dr. Seuss

04-14-2008, 03:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
CREEPIN Cabbage Leather Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miami FL Posts: 355 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Serious Algae Issue sea hare, get some.. __________________ Bio-Cube 14gal +Oceanic Protien Skimmer +36w 50/50 +hydro 1 power head +small Heater +chaeto -filter cartridge starting my 65 build (\___/) This is Bunny. (=O.o=) Copy and paste him into your signature (")__(") to help him gain world domination.

04-14-2008, 03:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 18,455 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Serious Algae Issue Hair algae it is. Remove as much as you can by hand. Do lots of water changes and reduce nutrients in the water. If you are not already start using RO/DI water for all changes and top-offs. __________________ Peace LYNN You can't change the past but you can change how you view it. A reef tank is like a racecar. The faster you go the harder you crash. Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

04-14-2008, 03:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
CREEPIN Cabbage Leather Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miami FL Posts: 355 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Serious Algae Issue and get some sea hares lol __________________ Bio-Cube 14gal +Oceanic Protien Skimmer +36w 50/50 +hydro 1 power head +small Heater +chaeto -filter cartridge starting my 65 build (\___/) This is Bunny. (=O.o=) Copy and paste him into your signature (")__(") to help him gain world domination.

04-14-2008, 03:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
vdituri Excellent Guesser :D Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sacramento California Posts: 5,722 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Serious Algae Issue Or a goat. Thats a fine crop of hair algae. I never realized how fortunate I was with my 55 till now. Best of luck on the battle. __________________ Victor ----- People come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

04-14-2008, 04:27 PM	#7 (permalink)
framerguy Manta Ray Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Mount Airy, Ga Posts: 3,326 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Serious Algae Issue Wow! Someone here has in their signature the line; "You can't grow hair algae like this..don't even try rookie",..well, you are giving them a run for their money. That's the best I've ever seen. Get a seahare, QUICK! And get those nitrates and phosphates under control. __________________ ___________________________________ Greg All time fav quote: "Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy."-Guillaume Apollinaire "Being happy can be as easy as deciding to be!"-Greg Kimsey (framerguy) Still Workin' on it! 390gDT built in wall, Gargantuan DIY Beckett Skimmer, 150g sump, Sequence Hammerhead closed loop, 75 gallon seagrass/mineral mud refugium, 55 gallon crushed coral/live rock refugium, 30 gallon DSB/ cheatomorpha refugium, algae turf scrubber, DIY calcium reactor, DIY kalkwasser mixer, DIY light system w/4x 250MH & 4x54w T5, etc, etc, etc... chronicles-akwareum (\___/) This is Bunny. (=O.o=) Copy and paste him into your signature (")__(") to help him gain world domination

04-14-2008, 04:28 PM	#8 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 18,455 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Serious Algae Issue Even a sea hare isn't going to be able to plow through it that long. Try to get as much out as you can or at least cut it as short as you can so the sea hare can get to work. Believe it or not, I have a friend who's tank is worse. Basically all you see in the 125 is HA from end to end. __________________ Peace LYNN You can't change the past but you can change how you view it. A reef tank is like a racecar. The faster you go the harder you crash. Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

04-14-2008, 04:29 PM	#9 (permalink)
CREEPIN Cabbage Leather Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miami FL Posts: 355 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Serious Algae Issue If U Get 3 And Cut Some U Should Be Fine... __________________ Bio-Cube 14gal +Oceanic Protien Skimmer +36w 50/50 +hydro 1 power head +small Heater +chaeto -filter cartridge starting my 65 build (\___/) This is Bunny. (=O.o=) Copy and paste him into your signature (")__(") to help him gain world domination.

04-14-2008, 09:04 PM	#10 (permalink)
mosdojaf Fire Coral Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: crystal lake Posts: 83 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Serious Algae Issue This is how I got the hair algae when i had it a long time ago. First you hae to cut it as low as possible. I used a 5 gallon bucket of tank water after a water change. Then I took a new small scrub brush, or toothbrush, and scrub the area. Have a second container of tank water or ro, to pour over the rock and wash it off then place it back in the tank. You don't have to do every rock at once, pick a few a week or water change and only scrub the spots needed. Eventually it will be gone. __________________ 45 gallon reef tank cpr backpack skimmer Aqua clear 110, customized cpr aquafuge medium (coral life 18w compact on refugium) jbj 260w compact flourescent maxijet natural wavemaker system various power heads

04-14-2008, 09:05 PM	#11 (permalink)
AnotherLousy1 Somewhere Beyond The Sea Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Salty Haven Posts: 259 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Serious Algae Issue Thanks all for the responses. I never had this issue in my 29 biocube (not sure why), but with this tank, the "now known" hair algae has just been consuming the tank. Going to do some trimming tonight, a water change, and order a couple sea hairs. Keep your fingers crossed. Thanks again everyone __________________ Lynnette Keep up with my small piece of the ocean 58 Gallon Reef Chronicle Or just go directly to the 58 Gallon webcam to see what's happening today. Web Cam userid: rsreefers password: reeffun Click the single tab and you're all set to view. HAVE FUN! "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish" - Dr. Seuss

04-14-2008, 10:38 PM	#12 (permalink)
AnotherLousy1 Somewhere Beyond The Sea Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Salty Haven Posts: 259 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Serious Algae Issue OK, just looked at a few sea hares. EWWWWW! :lol Is there anything else that will eat green hair algae? I was reading about a lawnmower blenny, but then again, I see the lawnmower blennies can get testy over time, and especially if he was the first in the tank. Holy frijoles, I feel like such a beginner again. Thanks again in advance __________________ Lynnette Keep up with my small piece of the ocean 58 Gallon Reef Chronicle Or just go directly to the 58 Gallon webcam to see what's happening today. Web Cam userid: rsreefers password: reeffun Click the single tab and you're all set to view. HAVE FUN! "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish" - Dr. Seuss

04-14-2008, 10:43 PM	#13 (permalink)
Varga Acropora Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,778 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Serious Algae Issue I have found nothing that eats that algae. have not tried hares yet though. chances are it will eat it, die, and algae comes right back. are you over feeding at all? I think a small amount of hair algae is normal but something is feeding it in your tank for sure

04-14-2008, 11:10 PM	#14 (permalink)
sasquatch Brunt of all Jokes~ Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: the very farthest west coast of canada Posts: 8,917 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Serious Algae Issue Its back to basics, what is your water source, what additives are you using, do you have a skimmer, have you started using rowaphos yet? Remove as much as possible by hand, I wont do water changes as it just fuels it more (up to you) my theory is let it drain the nutrients by it self, when it slows down start the attack, alc up to 12 or 13 dkh, mag at 12 to 1300, rowaphos both tank and topoff water, when it starts to go clear or white I use a 3/8 id tubing with a length of 3/8 od rigid air line tubing a bucket with filterfloss and start to siphon it out, put your finger over the rigid tubing while draining allow the HA to go into the pipe, trap it with your finger and pull, its a WAR! take no prisoners lol

04-15-2008, 10:24 AM	#15 (permalink)
CREEPIN Cabbage Leather Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miami FL Posts: 355 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Serious Algae Issue I Think They Look Like Shrek! __________________ Bio-Cube 14gal +Oceanic Protien Skimmer +36w 50/50 +hydro 1 power head +small Heater +chaeto -filter cartridge starting my 65 build (\___/) This is Bunny. (=O.o=) Copy and paste him into your signature (")__(") to help him gain world domination.

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