hair algea

[laurasmithuk]

ornaments in my tank has started to develop hair algea! what causes it and how do i get rid of it? although it looks un sightly im not sure if its harmful!!! cheers all

 

[Teelie]

It's harmless. The best way to get rid of it is probably to starve it. Hair algae is notoriously difficult to remove, or was that beard algae? Anyhow, plants are a good way to starve it. You could try pulling or tearing it from where it's rooted but that may not get rid of it completely.

 

[scottminot]

I believe it's nearly impossible to get rid of. I had a 10 gallon tank that was overtaken by hair algae. It covered everything, the substrate , the plants, and the tank walls. I eventually broke the tank down and bleached the heck out of it and started over. I've also had hair algae in my planted 20 gallon for a few years now. I've been able to somewhat control it by having a heavy plant population and frequent water changes but it's still there. For some reason the algae will quickly cover some plants but will not grow at all on others. I don't why? I tried phosphate removers and algae killers without success. Hair algae is tough stuff!

This topic reminded me of the snail I had in my 10 gallon. It was even covered with hair algae.

 

[Teelie]

That's just too funny.

 

[Claude]

PMSL @ snail!!!

 

[millym]

that furry snail just cracks me up! its winter coat i presume

 

[debiasir]

think that snail needs a shave

 

[AngelMax]

I want myself one of those snails.....clip its hair into a mohican!!!!

 

[Synirr]

Hahaha, that snail is too funny!
I've got hair algae on the floating plants in my Betta imbellis tank and I hate it with the passion of a thousand Christs. I take the plants out every now and then and rinse the algae off with the high water pressure of our kitchen sink, but it always comes back. The sad thing it that the tank actually is planted... maybe I need more plants?