how to get rid of brown algae and hair?

[ffsteve]

all my cemicals are good
a 0
rates0-5
rites- 0
cal 390
alk 7.5
mag 1200
phos 0-.15
why am i getting algae growth and hair? and how can i fix it?

 

[pvh]

Your yellow tang is not eating it?

 

[stingythingy45]

Phos of .15 is not allt hat good.
Are you using ro/di water?

 

[Andy V]

This is a constant source of confusion for people, but we do know the answer. Despite the fact that you are getting low readings for phosphate, it is because it is locked up in the algae itself, not in the water column.

What I am telling you is that you have higher phosphates than you think, or that your test tells you. There are numerous solutions (or combinations thereof), but I think the best and most lasting one is a combination of rinsing food, selecting the best food, proper feeding, proper stocking, and GFO. Turbo Snails can help get rid of what exists already, but they will not help you long-term if you have phosphates present.

 

[pallobi]

This is a constant source of confusion for people, but we do know the answer. Despite the fact that you are getting low readings for phosphate, it is because it is locked up in the algae itself, not in the water column.

What I am telling you is that you have higher phosphates than you think, or that your test tells you. There are numerous solutions (or combinations thereof), but I think the best and most lasting one is a combination of rinsing food, selecting the best food, proper feeding, proper stocking, and GFO. Turbo Snails can help get rid of what exists already, but they will not help you long-term if you have phosphates present.

wow, i always worried my phos would even register let alone .03 and the let alone .15... and if you have some algae, in this case hair algae especially, its actually more imo, as the algae is consuming more on top of that...

either way, i COMPLETELY agree with andy's second statement, rinsing frozen food is absolutely crucial! the phos that those cubes add to your system is nothing to joke about as frozen mysis (for example) are loaded with phos and excess garbage water... and GFO will absolutely only help your cause, but it needs to be utilized properly... water changes are your friend as well... dont get me wrong, as i run a ultra low nutrient sps tank, which not all do, but imo .15 is not good, however it is completely fixable with a little time and diligence and and perhaps a couple small adjustments in husbandry...

also, in my experience as a hobbyist or in the tank maintenance i used to do and many tanks i used to care for, that most tangs will not eat GHA... they jus dont take an interest usually... especially the zebrasoma species (ie yellow tangs)... and turbo snails wont usually touch anything over a certain length ime, especially GHA that has gotten too long for their liking...

all jus imo, and ime...

GL to the OP, and please, rinse your frozen food and dont overfeed.. that alone will help your cuase tremendously imo

 

[CoreyWoulds]

RODI is key. Also Lettuce Nudibraches mow GHA. Phosphosorb packs are a quick way to get rid of Phosphates short term, but I agree with everyone else, seems like you might be overlooking a step like rinsing food.

 

[frank180reef]

agree with all the suggestions, the key is getting to the source of the algae (green or Brown).

IMO tangs, snail and such will help but even if successful will mask whatever issue you may or may not have

what does the brown algae look like?

How old are your bulbs?

 

[ffsteve]

OK first, thanks, the food i feed two cubes every other day, i put in 5ml of tank and two cubes, let melt and toss in. for now on i'll rinse it.

i do us rodi water and i run gfo. but i think it was all the food problem, never thought of rinsing the food.

i have 6 t5 new in april. thanks everyone

 

[banshee1]

What is your fish stock?2 cubes for a 75 every other day seems like a lot