Help Hair Algae Nightmare

[blakey26]

Hi,

I am having a bit of a problem in one of my tanks that the hair algae is taking over on some on my plants.
Just wondering what the best way of getting rid of it is and if there are any fish/shrimp i can buy that will eat the stuff. I have tried blocking it from sunlight for a day and it has had no effect?

thanks

 

[tttnjfttt]

Here is a really great pinned article on the different types of algae and how to get rid of it. http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=95077

 

[Nina]

We had a problem with hair algae a while ago and the problem was caused by the lights. By covering the lights for a day will not help in the great scheme of things

Ideally you need to have break in the lights during the day. For example ours come on at 8:00am go off at 12:00pm come back on at 2:30pm and then go of again at 10:00pm. Until you get the algae sorted i would suggest a longer break during the day and perhaps off a bit earlier in the evening. Also if you can try and block it from direct natural light as well.

That should help stop new stuff growing. As for the current hair algea you can remove it quite easily with your hands. It just feels slimy - nice!

There are fish that are known to eat hair algae but unless you have the space from hem fully grown etc then I wouldn't recommend fish. Try the above first and see how you go before resorting to buyng fish/shrimp to deal with it.

N