Staghorn and hair algae

[rdd1952]

I am starting to get a problem with these two types of algae in my 75 gallon tank and since the 29 gallon has followed about 6 weeks behind the 75 gallon with everything else, I figure I will get it there too. When I say that is what I have, it is based on this site. Any idea how to get rid of it? Unfortunately, that site lists the types of algae but doesn't list which fish will eat it.

 

[iggy01]

As with most algaes, I would say a constant 30 mg/l CO2 would help. Trim off any plants with visible algae. Try to make sure you are not lacking any nutrients, nitrate, phosphate etc and continue to fertilize.

Good luck!

 

[zig]

Have to agree with iggy most algae is caused either by your supply of co2 not being constant or a nutrient defiency, most probably the fish he is talking about is a Siamese Algae Eater, while they are sold as very efficient algae eaters, this seems to be true when they are young but as they get older a lot of them develop a taste for other easier to get foods that are on offer, and wont eat the algae.

I have never owned one but this is what i have read as i considered buying one and did some research, they can also grow quite large 6 inches or so and become aggressive and territorial, but like i say ive never owned one.

But the best thing to do is try and find the cause of the problem and eliminate that or you could be in for the long haul with the algae.

Run some tests and see if your levels are within ideal parameters, thats where i would start to try and identify the problem.

 

[rdd1952]

All my water parameters are where they should be. Ammonia and nitrite are 0, nitrate about 5 to 10. Phosphates are .1 or lower. I do yave a Hagen Natural Plant System running but only one. That may not be enough CO2. The tank isn't fully stocked either so the fish may not be creating enough CO2 on their own. I don't have a CO2 kit but guess I need to invest in one.

 

[StarOrbs]

Really depends on your levels of CO2.. I recently got my CO2 level up in my 40 gallon with 2x 2 liter bottles.. One with 1/2 tsp yeast and another with 3/4.. Which seemed to do the trick.

 

[rdd1952]

I just got my CO2 & Iron test kits today so I can see where I am. SInce I posted this, they seem to have cleared up significantly though.