sirdarksol

My brackish tank has been developing a hair algae problem. From what I've seen, this is a saltwater problem normally. That would make sense, as the tank with some salt in it is the only one of my tanks that has developed anything like this.

I'm just wondering if, other than elbow grease, there's anything that can deal with this. I have amano shrimp that seem to appreciate the growth, but it's growing inside the powerhead's water column, and I'm afraid that the stuff will jam up the powerhead.

Mike

If it's inside the powerhead tube it's gonna take elbow grease.

The Florida flag fish (Jordanella floridae) is supposed to do a decent job on hair algae in brackish tanks and they stay on the small side (6 cm). They are hard to find though. You may have to look online for a supplier.

References:
http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/Spec...ry.php?id=3209
http://homepage.mac.com/nmonks/aquar...lifish(fa.html
http://www.floridadriftwood.com/alga..._flag_fish.htm

sirdarksol

That's what I figured.
Do you use a bottle brush for that kind of thing?

Mike

Yep, I use the bottle brush when doing maintenance on the powerhead uplift tubes and the protein skimmers.

offminded

i can't find pictures of hair algae...does anyone have any so i can be aware of it?

Mike

There is a video on the Lawnmower Blenny page showing the blenny eating it...

offminded

thanks

offminded

now i am developing a hair algae problem in my 55 gallon FOWLR...ugh...

sirdarksol

I have done studying, and it seems that excess phosphate, light, and nitrogen is needed to feed hair algae, break one link in the chain, and you'll have an easier time with it, break two, and it won't be there anymore. I'm working to reduce the amount of nitrogen in my tank, and I just put a phosphorous absorbing pillow in the filter to take some of the phosphates out (I may have phosphate in my water supply).