New Tank - GHA

Vinh · Dec 13, 2015

I just want to confirm my understanding of new tank syndrome. I'm starting to get more green hair algae only on the rocks. As long as I follow proper procedures (routine water changes, no overfeeding, minimal light schedule, don't introduce phosphates, use RO/DI), I assume the algae will eventually go away. That is, there's nothing I should be doing to treat it, correct?

kimba · Dec 13, 2015

Do you have a CUC (clean up crew) turbo snails are awesome at clearing GHA.

melypr1985 · Dec 13, 2015

I agree. this is a good time to get your clean up crew if you haven't already. - otherwise, yes.

twilliard · Dec 13, 2015

Manual removal
Then use peroxide on it.
Let sit for 5 minutes then back into the tank.
Keep doing this and it will all be gone.

Vinh · Dec 13, 2015

melypr1985 said:
I agree. this is a good time to get your clean up crew if you haven't already. - otherwise, yes.

Yes, meaning it will eventually go away? I do have a small CUC (three hermit crabs).

kimba said:
Do you have a CUC (clean up crew) turbo snails are awesome at clearing GHA.

I don't want snails but maybe I should rethink that.

melypr1985 · Dec 13, 2015

Vinh said:
Yes, meaning it will eventually go away? I do have a small CUC (three hermit crabs).

I don't want snails but maybe I should rethink that.

Theoretically it should, but a good cuc will help with that. manual removal is a good option as well. I'd say if it sticks around after a few months then you might have a problem that needs investigating. But for now cuc and a wait and see. You can go ahead to do Twillard's suggestion. He knows what he's talk'n about.

It's all up to you of course.

Vinh · Dec 13, 2015

twilliard said:
Manual removal
Then use peroxide on it.
Let sit for 5 minutes then back into the tank.
Keep doing this and it will all be gone.

Is there a specific kind of peroxide? Are you saying soak rocks in peroxide? Is treatment necessary if this is normal for new tanks?

twilliard · Dec 13, 2015

Just normal 3% peroxide
It is amazing what this does to a lot of things.
Just squirt it on the algae and in no time, dead.

Vinh · Dec 13, 2015

twilliard said:
Just normal 3% peroxide
It is amazing what this does to a lot of things.
Just squirt it on the algae and in no time, dead.

I assume outside DT right? I may go this route if it gets out of control.

Vinh · Dec 13, 2015

If I get snails what type do you recommend?

twilliard · Dec 13, 2015

Vinh said:
I assume outside DT right? I may go this route if it gets out of control.

Yes take the rock out.
Here is the thing about algae once you see it then it is best to catch it now cause it will spread.

melypr1985 · Dec 13, 2015

kimba said:
Do you have a CUC (clean up crew) turbo snails are awesome at clearing GHA.

^^^ these.

Vinh · Dec 13, 2015

OK I guess I'll concede to getting snails. Maybe just 2 or 3 for my 10 gallon. Hopefully good husbandry and a few snails will be enough. Thanks!

BlacknBlue2 · Dec 14, 2015

Another choice would be a rose urchin, also a single chambered GFO Reactor as well. My rose urchin would turn green rocks back into their original white, thats how good of a job he did. I also spotted him eating bubble algae.

BlacknBlue2 · Dec 14, 2015

Also don't bother with hermit crabs, they just end up killing the snails for their shells and turn your nice clean sand bottom into a graveyard.

Vinh · Dec 15, 2015

Update: Added two turbo snails and I'm surprised at how well they go after the green hair algae. Only two of them so it'll take a little time for them to get to it all. Sometimes if there's been little movement I move them to another section and they get to work.

Thanks for the help!