my liverock is covered witn green hairlike algae. how do i get rid of it and what causes it. is it harmful will it harm my liverock? is there a chemical to kill it. will a uv sterilizer help.
2007-10-28 15:18:46 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
It's called "hair algae" and it's caused by high Nitrates and other nutrients(like phosphates) and it's very difficult to rid your tank of it. Start by reducing feedings and increasing the frequency of water changes to lower the nutrient load. There are certain species of snail that will eat certain species of algae,but they are species specific,so you will need to identify the specie of algae to get the right kind of snails.
A U/V sterilizer will not help with the algae that's already attached to your rock,and don't go dumping chemicals into the tank.
One piece of equipment that may help prevent further infestation would be a protein skimmer or, more correctly, a foam fractionator,they are great at removing the nutrients that feed these algae.
Good luck.
2007-10-28 15:35:04 · answer #1 · answered by PeeTee 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
there is a nudibranch commonly called a sea hare that does wonders with hair algae. But I have to agree with a few of the previous posters, RO water (reverse osmosis) is surely the way to go. DO NOT USE tap water! Second make sure you have a good protein skimmer. A local fish store can recommend one that will be good for your tank. Third, If you are using Bio-balls, think about replacing them with live rock. They are typically a reason for super high nitrates that the algae feeds off of.
2007-10-29 21:21:02 · answer #2 · answered by Dennis P 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have to say that I do not agree with everything that people are saying not saying that they are wrong just everything is always different! In my experience this can be casued by using TAP water! Emerald crabs help but it will not get rid of it all a quick extreme water change with CLEAN R.O. water can help and use a small tooth brush to get off what you can! When doing that take it out of the tank do not let it float! The other thing is it can be HARMFUL it can hold oxygen that can be harmful to fish and coral!
2007-10-28 23:36:16 · answer #3 · answered by mommyville 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The liverock is just being inhabited by the alge. it will not harm your liverock, but it will make it look unsightly. The best thing to do would be to go to your local pet store and get a saltwater alge eater ( bottom feeder ) or a saltwater hermit crab. it will clean the liverock quite nicely =]
2007-10-28 22:28:41 · answer #4 · answered by redneck1768 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Get some hermit crabs and this is not bad for your aquarium it just doesn't look as nice w/ it! Here are some really cool crabs there is actually ahaloween crab! http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=1639&cc=1 http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/scateg.cfm?pCatId=501 or an algea attack pack: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/scateg.cfm?pCatId=420 Good Luck
2007-10-29 03:04:44 · answer #5 · answered by Kyle S 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
get an algae eater.or a crab.
2007-10-28 22:51:05 · answer #6 · answered by Thirsty 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Just get an algae eater.
2007-10-28 22:35:28 · answer #7 · answered by Erin P 5 · 3⤊ 3⤋