Green Hairy Algae On Sand

[rayv23]

within the past 2 weeks i have noticed a big patch of green hairy algae( i think) growing on my sand bed. Is this a bad thing? help please

 

[kkyyllee]

lemme guess new tank? just gha it will go away after cycle it ends

 

[rayv23]

actually it is not a knew tank. Its not cycle algae. I have a 24 gallon jbj nano tank which has been set up now for appoximatlely 5 months. I have 24 pounds of live rock, a mushroom leather a couple damsel and a clown. The algae is growing in the middle of my tank bed. I think it is caused by a lack of water flow but im not sure if it is harmful. I do 20% water changes on a weekly basis. anyone have an idea

 

[Danno]

What does your clean up crew consist of?

 

[SkiFletch]

Harmful, no... Pest, yes

 

[Lynden]

After all the Cyano I've had I consider hair algae a blessing...

 

[rayv23]

My clean up crew consists of 2 turbo snails which do not look so healthy as of recently, 5 hermit crabs. My rocks are being covered by the algae as well. can i add a fish that will eat the hair algae off the rock? My LFS said i could use some sand snails. Should I add more crabs?

 

[Filmoholic]

Are you using Rowaphos? Or any phosphate remover?

 

[SkiFletch]

And how big's the tank?

 

[rayv23]

Are you using Rowaphos? Or any phosphate remover?

No im not using any of that. Should I be and why? I have been trying to steer clear of adding chemicals. my tank is a 24 gallon jbj nano tank.

 

[Musho3210]

you should be to help lower phosphates, high phosphates can inhibit coral growth and grow unwanted algae. its not really a chemical additive, think of it as activated carbon that removes phosphates.