View Full Version : Does Removing hair algae from glass foul the tank?
Eman79
03/24/2013, 10:41 AM
I only use RO in my tank but still get a fair amount of green hair that grows on my glass. I am not always diligent in keeping up with it, and there can be a fair amount by the time i get around to it. Im not talking an inch or anything like that, but more when it is past the film stage and starting to become hairy. never more than 1/8". Is it safe to scrape it all off at once or should I scrape it in shifts over a few days?
philosophile
03/24/2013, 10:44 AM
You should remove it from he tank entirely if possible. So just before you do a water change, turn off your pumps, scrape then syphon the stuff out.
Zypharus
03/24/2013, 10:48 AM
If its a significant amount, around 1/8" as you say, I would recommend trying to collect as much during scraping to remove it from the tank. Algae is essentially nutrients, and while scraping may not kill it completely, that which dies is merely putting those nutrients back into your tank.
If I'm overestimating the amount by your description, typically normal scraping, good flow and filter sock care will do the removal process for you.
mclevenger10
03/24/2013, 03:09 PM
I would check the phosphate levels in your RO water and your saltwater. You might be putting in phosphates and not know it. This happened to me when I was buying my Saltwater and RO water from a LFS...they forgot to change out cartridges on unit!
nynick
03/24/2013, 03:18 PM
Algae only looks like lettuce, it has the nutritional values of a pork chop. :) Try to get as much out as you can.
Eman79
03/24/2013, 04:50 PM
Thank you all for the valuable advice!
I've tested my RO at zero PO. I'm assuming that my rock/sand is still not mature and is leeching PO still. The tank is a year old.
vBulletin® v3.8.4, Copyright ©2000-2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.