Is this green hair algae?

[Risky Fishniss]

Ok, is this Green Hair Algae? And is it good or bad? Is it part of the process of new tank algae? My tank has already had Diatoms.

 

[Miami Reef]

Yes, that’s green hair algae. It is good because it consume nutrients but bad because it’s unsightly and may grow out of control in new tanks.

Get a tuxedo urchin. They work amazing for this.

 

[Buckster]

My tank was loaded for 9 months with green hair algae. The five tangs couldn't keep up with it. I would put hands in the tank once a week using a tooth brush to scrub it off the live rock. It was so bad that daily i would have to clean my overflows. The socks needed cleaning every few days. Ironically I finally got chaeto to grow in the sump and the GHA started disappearing. It is no longer a problem but I do have some in my sump. I don't mind since it is now manageable.

 

[vetteguy53081]

It is and you can add a trio of astrea snails or turbo snails to deal with it
While not bad, can grow out of control. Assure your Phosphate level is not elevated, reduce white intensity to help control. You can also pull by hand to reduce the amount for the snails.

Are you using RODI water or tap water from the faucet?

 

[Risky Fishniss]

Yes, that’s green hair algae. It is good because it consume nutrients but bad because it’s unsightly and may grow out of control in new tanks.

Get a tuxedo urchin. They work amazing for this.

 

[Risky Fishniss]

Thank you

 

[Risky Fishniss]

It is and you can add a trio of astrea snails or turbo snails to deal with it
While not bad, can grow out of control. Assure your Phosphate level is not elevated, reduce white intensity to help control. You can also pull by hand to reduce the amount for the snails.

Are you using RODI water or tap water from the faucet?

I'm using the saltwater from the Aquarium store.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I'm using the saltwater from the Aquarium store.

If you get an opportunity, check it yourself or have another store test it for nitrates and Phosphates. Some stores have elevated content and not even aware of it

 

[Risky Fishniss]

Yes, that’s green hair algae. It is good because it consume nutrients but bad because it’s unsightly and may grow out of control in new tanks.

Get a tuxedo urchin. They work amazing for this.

Thanks for the suggestion.