is hair algae beneficial?

[Fuzzy]

is it in anyway? i have some in my tank and i just wanted to no if it was.
thnx for any help

 

[Navarre]

Any algea is beneficial to the tank. They feed on Phophates and nitrates. However, hair algea loks aweful and does nothing ot make the tank look good. It will grow in areas that can smother some of the more delicate polyps etc.

What you need to do is ot find something that will outcompete the hair alge for the nutrients its using. If another algea can be found (Caluerpa, Halymeda etc) that can establish itself then this will directly compete for the nutrients in the tank.

However, another way o flooking at this is the source of the problem. Removing the very nutrients they are feeding on. Check your nitrates and phosphates. Check the phosphates by taking water directly located around the algea as you will be startled to find that phosphates are probably far far higher here. Many people make the mistake of checking for phosphates and getting an artificially low reading. When told to check again near the algea they cannot beleive their eyes.

 

[Great Lakes]

Interesting Navarre, I never knew that one.

GL

 

[Navarre]

Phosphate tests near the algea? Yeah i learnt this from a shop that i do my mail order from. They tested water fromthe same tank but different locations and the results were quite suprising.

 

[Fuzzy]

its only in a clump on my filter tube and its been that way for 3 months.
im gonna have to buy another test kit cuz i just found out mine is out
thnx for the info