Hairy Algae?

[xamy_valox]

Hiya, I have searched on the forum but can't seem to find anything about this, but does anyone know how to get rid of hairy algae?
It's growing on almost all of my plants and when I try and it off it just ruins my leaves. Or does anyone know why it occurs?
Thanks xx

 

[StandbySetting]

Reduce your photoperiod and increase your circulation, if it's really bad then remove as much as you can and do a 3 day complete black out (no feeding or water changes, the tank must be in total darkness).

 

[xamy_valox]

What do you mean by photoperiod? When I have my light on? And I can't regulate my circulation as my tank is a Juwel with a juwel filter and I don't have a way of making it stronger or weaker =\ xx

 

[Sam-Baker]

What do you mean by photoperiod? When I have my light on? And I can't regulate my circulation as my tank is a Juwel with a juwel filter and I don't have a way of making it stronger or weaker =\ xx

Getting a UV Clarifier would solve your problem with all algae, The 3 day black out period may cause havock with the plants so be careful and vigilant.

 

[StandbySetting]

Yes the duration in which your lights are on, you can increase circulation with a circulation pump, Hydor Koralia's are pretty good, but hairy algae's usually occur in 'dead spots'.

 

[ian]

UV won't help with hair algae

we'd need to see a pic to id the algae, but most hair algae is exacerbated by low or fluctuating C02.

 

[StandbySetting]

What do you mean by photoperiod? When I have my light on? And I can't regulate my circulation as my tank is a Juwel with a juwel filter and I don't have a way of making it stronger or weaker =\ xx

Getting a UV Clarifier would solve your problem with all algae, The 3 day black out period may cause havock with the plants so be careful and vigilant.

A UV filter will only kill free floating spores, and will do nothing towards removing hair algae, plants will be fine for 3 days without light, they have Starch based energy reserves.

 

[Sam-Baker]

What do you mean by photoperiod? When I have my light on? And I can't regulate my circulation as my tank is a Juwel with a juwel filter and I don't have a way of making it stronger or weaker =\ xx

Getting a UV Clarifier would solve your problem with all algae, The 3 day black out period may cause havock with the plants so be careful and vigilant.

A UV filter will only kill free floating spores, and will do nothing towards removing hair algae, plants will be fine for 3 days without light, they have Starch based energy reserves.

Appologies, I have never had the problem myself I was just giving general on algae as I stated, Strange, last time my lights were out for that long the plants suffered really badly and I nearly lost some of my Red and purple Plants! But you learn something new everyday.

 

[xamy_valox]

Yeah I agree it must be a 'dead spot' as it is only on the plants in the left half of the tank rather than the right. Will put a pic up tomorrow as I can't at the mo and see what you guys think.
Will reduce the time in which my light is on aswell as it's currently on for about 5 and a half hours.

 

[StandbySetting]

5 and a half hours really isn't that long, does your Juwel tank have the 'high-lite' system installed?

 

[Vin Swords]

Fluorish excel

It will kill the hair algae .. And boost plant growth. If u want fast results, over dose 2 or 3 times. But careful it's same as co2. Can stress fish. Do google first for more info.

 

[xamy_valox]

Nah, my light is 'Day-Lite' =\ I'm a bit concerned about adding chemicals that may damage or stress my fish.

 

[StandbySetting]

I'd never advise over dosing glutaraldehyde, the consequences can be quite serious.