Hair Algae Attack

**Fish Fish** · 6th Mar 2016, 10:05

Other then taking out the plant to remove the algae, is there any fish or shrimps that can help?
My cherries are not eating them.

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**DreamerX5521** · 6th Mar 2016, 10:54

I'm not expert in this, but best if you can provide more information like what plant is infected, what type of algae, any other area has been infected, your setup, etc. Best is upload a picture as it tells a thousand words. So the master here can give the right advice to ur problem.

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**Fish Fish** · 6th Mar 2016, 11:46

I am outside now. But i had these photos in my hp. (There are some suspected hair algae that is growing on my lava rock, nana plants) I do not have the tools to measure the water parameters. Lights wise is a cheapo 8x0.5watts led for 8 hrs a day, and diy co2 ard 2 bps.

I think the first thing to do is to lessen the photo period? Hahhas. But because my diy co2 is on 24 hrs, i hope the lights can help the plants to take in more co2 so that the water ph can remain reasonably constant.

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**Fish Fish** · 7th Mar 2016, 21:13

Can black molly solve the problem? Had the impression that they do feed on hair algae.

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**jayc** · 26th Mar 2016, 05:24

Doesn't look like hair algae. Looks more like staghorn algae.

**Fish Fish** · 26th Mar 2016, 10:02

Ohh. So is there any effective way of removing them?

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**ken1971** · 26th Mar 2016, 14:42

Try SAE. The fish will eat most algae.

Ken

**FiveTwoTwo** · 28th Mar 2016, 17:28

Amano shrimps helps also.

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**Ivan Choo** · 28th Mar 2016, 20:12

I have similar algae like yours. I've been dosing easylife algexit for 3 weeks and can see the algae residing and turning dull. I also perform manual removal and the situation has been improving. However I do see my plants being affected but I cannot attribute that to dosing algexit or if it's due to nutrient deficiency (still trying to figure out). I have since dose lesser amount of algexit. My advise is NOT to overdose algexit if you intend to try this route, algexit is no instant fix and require a few weeks to see visible effect.

Also, manual remove the algae and perform more water changes to maintain lower dissolved organics, algae hates a dirty tank! I used to use a toothbrush to remove such thread like algae, but be careful not to mess it up as they may break and spread to other parts of the tank. Remove algae from plants outside if possible. Else turn off filter and use a small hose to siphon them out slowly (I'm using ANS nano siphon which is perfect for this task). A little patience goes a long way. Good luck!