Hair Algea

[hensonc4098]

Basically the question above. We currently have a 50L hex aquarium. Our CUC atm consists of 2 albino corys, a small (7cm) plec (not sure what kind, got from lfs labelled as "plecs") and a panda loach. They are good to an extent for keeping the tank clean but we do get hair algea growing on our rocks and plastic plants. Our solution so far has been to take them all out every few weeks and put them into boiling water. This kills the algea so that when we put them back into the tank, the algea falls off and is either eaten or sucked into the filter. This method however, you will understand, is not too benificial for the plastic plants. They normally survive 2 or 3 of these "treatments" before they start to come apart.

I was wondering if there was anything that would eat hair algea, or if putting moss balls into the tank would help. I am setting up a new 30L tank soon and would like to be able to prevent it in there before I have to cure it in there too

Thanks guys

Claire

 

[Truck]

why dont you just solve the problem? increase flow and it will go.

 

[pippoodle]

amano , red nose and cherry shrimps will eat hair algae but need some live java moss and plenty of cover if there are any large fish in the tank else they will just become lunch

 

[keenonfish]

Not sure if things would be a bit tight (if not already) in a 50Litre hex by adding shrimp. Know one would have anywhere to go

At OP as Truck said the only places I get hair algae in my tank are the stagnant areas.

 

[hensonc4098]

Thanks for the quick response guys

I don't know if I can increase the flow - we have an external filter which pumps out with a spray bar which sits just above the water level. I suppose I could pick up a pump to add more flow. I will probably put a couple of shrimp into my new tank when I get it to keep it clean but I agree with keenonfish that they might be squashed or eaten in our community tank. Will moss balls help with algea at all?

Claire

 

[Truck]

moss balls wont help. they are very slow growing and dont have a high nutrient uptake. theyre actually algae

 

[keenonfish]

Thanks for the quick response guys

I don't know if I can increase the flow - we have an external filter which pumps out with a spray bar which sits just above the water level. I suppose I could pick up a pump to add more flow. I will probably put a couple of shrimp into my new tank when I get it to keep it clean but I agree with keenonfish that they might be squashed or eaten in our community tank. Will moss balls help with algea at all?

Claire

maybe move the intake or remove the spraybar run outlet directly into tank?

 

[Lestat999]

I would go for the source of the problem which is usually high phosphates, do you have a phos test kit?

Interpet produce a treatment that is very good (but not cheap).

 

[hensonc4098]

We've got a water testing kit - not sure if it does phosphates or not - will check that later.

I guess I could take the spray bar off and have it running as a single jet which would create a bit of a current going round the tank. I'll speak to dad tonight.

Claire

 

[keenonfish]

As far as I am aware high phosphates is from old school thinking and is no longer correct.

Great algae guide here

 

[Truck]

phosphates and nitrates do not cause algae, they feed it, if you eradicate the trigger...poor flow or low CO2, then it will go.

if phosphate causes algae, how come i had an algae free planted tank that i dosed phosphates into?

add a small hydor koralia nano for about £20 and it will go