Sump Tank Hair Algae

[Bodyguard]

Hello All,

Should there be hair algae in the sump and if so how much is okay? My DT has zero hair algae, its all contained in the middle chamber of my sump. I'm concerned if its gets to crazy in the sump it will deplete my system of phosphate. I run mainly a LPS setup. I currently have to dose NeoPhos and NeoNitrate otherwise they would be 0.

Thanks,
BG

 

[Ribo15]

What light source would be allowing the hair algae to grow in the sump? To me if you’re dosing phos and growing hair algae something isn’t adding up. Either with testing or dosing. Truly 0 phos you should have no algae growing. Are you testing with a Hanna checker? I’m sure the experts will chime in with some better guesses but that should get the ball rolling

 

[PokeFish]

if theres no light the hair algae shouldnt grow

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hair algae can grow anywhere in the tank as long as it is provided its main food source - LIGHT
And of your sump light is red, all the better yet for growth support

 

[Bodyguard]

What light source would be allowing the hair algae to grow in the sump? To me if you’re dosing phos and growing hair algae something isn’t adding up. Either with testing or dosing. Truly 0 phos you should have no algae growing. Are you testing with a Hanna checker? I’m sure the experts will chime in with some better guesses but that should get the ball rolling

You can indeed have 0 phos and have hair algae. How...the algae is consuming all the nutrients. Yes, I test with Hannah for Phos. I do have a sump light (Kessil H80). I just curious if there is a right amount of acceptable hair algae or should I pull it out

 

[Bodyguard]

Hair algae can grow anywhere in the tank as long as it is provided its main food source - LIGHT
And of your sump light is red, all the better yet for growth support

I do have the Kessil H80. It's not completely set in the red. I'd say the color knob is more in the middle

 

[vetteguy53081]

I do have the Kessil H80. It's not completely set in the red. I'd say the color knob is more in the middle

Fuge light and ues it can promote growth. Pull what you can by habd and add an emerald crab or two to sump. Will give them something to nibble on

 

[Ribo15]

Oh I get what you’re saying. It’s in a fuge of sorts. I have hair algae that grows in mine also and just pull it out same as I would harvest other algae

 

[outhouse]

I just curious if there is a right amount of acceptable hair algae or should I pull it out

The whole idea is to harvest algae and regrow it, there is no set amount.

Dont listen to the popular trend if adding phos and nitrates, I keep my tank undetectable and LPS growth is off the hook.

 

[Bodyguard]

I ended up pulling out all of the hair algae that I could in the sump. Phos was 0 and next day as expected jumped to .17ppm. Since have gotten it back down to ~.04ppm.
Like @Ribo15 idea of yanking it as it grows. Don't want the hair algae consuming/starving nutrients the coral need.