Hair Algae problem

[tim b]

I have had my 75g tank setup since last July, I have been fighting hair algae ever since about September. I have always used ro/di water in my tank, I have changed my filters twice already. I feed my fish every other day. I run my actinic light from 9-8, 10,000k from 12:30-5:00. I have a octopus skimmer that i empty out every week. Any idea what the problem could be???

[75gsalt]

What kind of filters do you have? Most filters need to changed or cleaned every couple days. How often and how big of water changes are you doing. I to have HA and change 20% every week. It is helping. Also what are you feeding.

[rayn]

Having HA problems myself, try getting ahold of some cheato. Building my sump now, but dropped a big wad in the dt and four days later the HA is starting to turn white and die off.

[Tuscaquatics]

Rayn is right. It's probably phophates causing the HA. Try some macro if possible.

[sikk50]

Sea hairs eat hair algea :)

[Lannyrx7]

You can either go with natural predation or chemical warfare. You need to get your phosphates and nitrates down. So go for some phosban or whatever your LFS has. OR if you have room for them a lawnmower blenny and some/more snails. Tangs will massacre hair algae too but that is your decision regarding tank size.

[iamwrasseman]

you should try to find out how you are importing the excess nutrient that is fueling your problem . usually when you purchase grazers the will release the nutrient back into the water through their feces .water changes ,carbon ,gfo ,all will help but be sure that the ro/di water is not the cause either and that can be tested for po4 as that is usually the fuel that is causing the problem .

[tim b]

I have a small sump with about 10 or 12 pounds of live rock in it. Reef Octopus skimmer, and a rio 17hf pump. I do have some phosban and carbon in there as well. I am looking at getting a refugium big enough to hold my skimmer, pump,etc.. If I did get a refugium and put macro in there would it take care some of this problem??

[iamwrasseman]

there is no 100% sure fire way to eliminate the HA but yes you efforts will probably be seen . what do you use for makeup ans mixing water ?

[tim b]

I have a 10g tank with a powerhead and a heater. I generally let it mix for 2 days before I change it.

[iamwrasseman]

ro/di water or tap water ?

[tim b]

ro/di from dr.macs. trying his water instead of mine..

[iamwrasseman]

okay thats great , can they test your water ? thet are a great resource for information and would probably help you out anytime .

[lilmonster]

Have you checked your mag levels?

everytime i get a hair alge breakout is when my Mag levels plummet,
I start dosing Mag and the hair alge starts dieing.

[tim b]

They have check my water and every time it is phosphates are a little high. I have noticed in my tank water you always see stuff floating. When I go to dr.macs his tanks are crystal clear, nothing in the water. Now grant it he is a pro, but what do i have to do to get mine like that? How long is it going to be before my HA is gone..

[tim b]

I have never personal check for mag but I am sure dr.mac has..

[Dont Ask Me]

More water changes, less feeding, less light, better cleaning of filters, always solves my HA problems

[rayn]

They have check my water and every time it is phosphates are a little high. I have noticed in my tank water you always see stuff floating. When I go to dr.macs his tanks are crystal clear, nothing in the water. Now grant it he is a pro, but what do i have to do to get mine like that? How long is it going to be before my HA is gone..

Do you have a skimmer? I always have stuff floating on the top too, but I'm hopeing that the skimmer will take care of it.