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Aquamaniacs Problem Profile -- Hair Algae

Name: Hair algae
Type: Green filamentous algae
Agent: Pithophora or Cladophora
Difficulty: Variable
Distribution: Attaches to plants, decor and equipment
Symptoms: Green thread, fuzz, hairy or brushy mats attached to plants, decor and equipment
Treatments: The best approach for hair algae control is to apply the following corrective actions in order:

Quote:

Things that must be done:
1. Remove as much visible hair algae as possible via manual removal. A filter cleaning brush or length of rigid airline tubing twirled around and pulled works well.
2. Clean filter media well.
3. Remove all visible mulm and detritus from the top portion of the substrate via water changes.
4. Assure ample water circulation and filtration. A filter turnover rate of at least 4 to 5 times per hour is a good general minimum.
5. Discontinue the use of buffering agents that contain phosphates. Check your label or manufacturers website.
6. Discontinue the use of liquid fertilizers that add iron to the water column.
7. Discontinue the use of water conditioners that contain plant sap (Stress Coat, etc).
8. Do not allow direct sunlight to hit the tank.
9. Provide proper lighting specifications:

• Duration: Maintain 12-hour on/off periods for lighting in planted aquaria. In some cases 8-10 hours of on time is enough. Fish only tanks need only keep lights on for feeding and viewing.
  
• Intensity: Maintain lighting intensity under 3 Watts per gallon.
  
• Color Spectrum: Use full-spectrum fluorescent lighting.

Things that can or should be done after the things that must be done:
1. Add fast growing and hardy plants:

• Water sprite
  
• Hornwort
  
• Duckweed
  
• Dwarf hygro

2. Add phosphate absorbing beads or pads to the filter.
3. Add CO2 injection to a planted tank. This will lower pH and help kick the plants into high gear.
4. Add KNO3 in the form of liquid fertilizer to planted tanks if NO3 measures zero. Maintain NO3 levels at 5 to 10 ppm.

Things that help temporarily and after trying everything else:
1. Add fresh high-quality filter carbon (GAC).
2. Do a three-day blackout with a trash bag or dark blanket, so that no light gets in the tank at all. Remove CO2 injection during blackout.
3. Employ hair algae consumers:

• Siamese algae eaters
  
• Ghost or algae eating shrimp
  
• American flag fish
  
• various barbs with rosy and gold barbs being best
  
• Various livebearers with mollies being best

Prophylaxis: Consider "things that must be done" above as preventative and corrective actions. Rinse and quarantine new plants and used decor before introducing them to your established tank.
Mortality: N/A
References: Effective algae control

Notes: Hair algae can be unsightly when out of control. Under control it can serve as a minor food source for aquatic creatures and act as a natural nutrient sponge.