Methods for manual removal of Algae

[SoonerFan732]

What are some fast efficient ways to manually remove algae from live rock?

Thanks!

Kevin Ford

[padixon2]

fast? are we talkin about hair algea? you can try twirling a bamboo skewer around and around the hair...not very effective and it will probably blow around in your tank(tried it myself)

effecient? gotta take the rocks out and scrub, then rince in clean tank water. then check on your algea cleanup crew...if you think you have a sufficient amt, then check you nutrient control...if you have cheato or caluerpa...then add more... keep adding until until the nuisance algea cannot possibly thrive. my tank has about 8 cups of cheato all together and hair algea cannot grow anymore

[SoonerFan732]

I should have specified that I want to take the rocks out and scrub them off. I was wondering what is the fast most efficient method, or maybe better put, most efficient tool to help with removal? Its a bit of Cyano, Diatoms, and a lot of short green algae that doesn't come off easy.

Thanks!

[ERTLEY]

Toothbrush works well!(softer one)

[pwhitby]

sea hares do a nice job on HA.

Cyano, increase water flow.

[Russ Braaten]

If you don't have one already, Get the little hobby type wire brushes. Either the brass or steel ones work pretty well.

[SoonerFan732]

Thanks guys!

This most prevalent algae is green and stays short (about 1/4" long). It is getting very thicker on the rocks. It has been around for a couple of months at least and doesn't seem to get any longer, just spreads. Do you think that is hair algae? I will try and get a picture up soon.

[captbunzo]

Hear is how I have successfully dealt with GHA. Quick? No, but I doubt there is a non-destructive way to deal with it. This was effective. And, btw, for my tank, this hole process probably took 3-4 weeks.

1. Get the nutrient source under control.
2. If not present, add some hair algae eating critters - hermit crabs, turbo snails, etc.
3. Get a small bucket of water. Reach into your tank. Pull out a clump from the tank and swish it off your hands in the small bucket. Repeat 100 times.
4. Repeat step twice a week or so as needed.
5. Perform regular water changes (once a week) to aid in nutrient reduction.

I have found that if you get the nutrient problem under control, the algae will eventually pass. Also remember that when setting up a new tank, algae comes and goes in phases.

I am also of the belief that taking the rocks out and scrubbing them is simply destructive and lengthens the process of a tank maturing. Of course, there is rarely any simple answer to these things.

[SoonerFan732]

Paul,
I gave the pull a clump out at a time a try tonight when I was doing a water change. On a good try I was getting a few strands. This algae is attached to the rocks fairly well. I can see how this method could be time consuming for sure :)

I really like the idea of not removing the rocks, but this method may be a bit to tedious for me to maintain over any period of time.

I think part of my problem is debris building up on the rocks. There is a large amount of debris in the patches where the algae is the worst as I found out when messing with the algae. I ran into a problem though when the debris was knocked to the sandbed.


All,
How do you guys vacuum debris once it gets on/in the sand? I think I vacuumed up more sand than anything else.

Thanks!

Kevin

[aquaphile]

i had the same problem and tried to pull the algea off for a while, got tired of it so the rock got scrubbed and havent had a problem since, as far as vacuming the sand i just used 1/2 inch tube syphon when i had cyano, diatom, and deitrus (sp) it didnt suck up much sand at all, and i havent had cyano since..