What is the best way to get rid of green algae

M

margic5

I am new to this site my name is James, I live in rowlett, and I have 115 gal tank, thats been up and running for 7months now. I am wondering what the best way to get rid of the green algae is?
 
Howdy James!

What part of Rowlett are you in? I'm near Dalrock and 66 (Actually closer to Chiesa/66).

As far as getting rid of green algae, is it the hairy kind?

If so, manual removal and a good clean up crew are your best first line of defense. (Clean up crew - snails and maybe hermit crabs, sea-hare if a really bad infestation, etc)

Also, monitoring your water quality is paramount. Use only RO/DI water for water changes and top off. Increase water changes to bring nutrient load of the water down, etc.

Do you currently test for things like Nitrates and Phosphates?

If you don't, if you're near me I could at least test your nitrate level for ya'...

Oh, and I'm a big fan of intentionally cultivating higher algae (Calueperas, Gracillarias and Cheatomorph) in a seperate refuguim tank to help out-compete the nuisance algaes...
 
Yes welcome,
Well I agree with Serk. If you don't now test for Nitrates and Phosphates you should. If you control them you can control the algae. Second thing (also what Serk said) get the natural enemies of the hair algae natural to do your dirty work. Personally I like tangs and if it is ready bad urchins. As long as you don't over feed (also a source of hair algae) the tangs will graze on the LR and keep the algae some what in check. Urchins on the other hand eat like the stuff will never grow back. But will knock over just about everything they touch. Well I hope this helped and good luck with you algae problem.
Alan
 
Good advice so far. Also, do you use tap water or RO/DI water?

http://www.melevsreef.com/gha.html
 
I do test every other week and I do use tap water with AMQUEL plus. I have a urchin, a sea lettuce, some hermit crabs and snails. I just bought a coral beauty and a lawnmower blenny to help out. I also have a foxface. I am thinking about getting more crabs, where is a good place to buy them around here. I shop at fish gallery in dallas but lately they havent had any crabs. I am looking on ebay now for them. Any
 
Tap water contains phosphate and nitrate, as well as a plethora of other stuff you don't want in your tank. It would be best if you would use RO or RO/DI water instead, either buying it at your LFS, Water Provisions (one of our sponsors) or via your own RO/DI unit, available online and locally. I even see RO units go up for sale in our For Sale Forum from time to time.
 
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