While some livestock will eat green hair algae (GHA), it’s best to find the cause rather than chase the problem.Of all the irksome algae that can take hold in a saltwater aquarium, hair algae probably causes hobbyists more consternation than any other. So named for its hair-like, furry, or feathery appearance, this filamentous algae (for the sake of simplicity, I’ll use “algae” for both the singular and plural forms of the noun) is primarily an aesthetic issue in fish-only aquariums, but in reef systems, it can quickly overgrow and smother corals, turning a once thriving system into a tangled, unsightly mess. Like most troublesome algae, hair algae thrives in systems with elevated levels of dissolved nutrients—i.e., nitrate and phosphate (think: fertilizer). In intensely illuminated reef systems with excess dissolved nutrients, the proliferation of hair algae can be positively explosive! However, even reasonably well maintained systems that aren’t powerfully lighted can see their share of this nuisance algae if the balance tips even slightly in favor of its growth. So, what should you do if hair algae rears its ugly, scruffy head in your system? Prepare to be patient! As the old saying goes, only bad things happen quickly in marine aquariums. While it’s wise to take prompt action against hair algae when it manifests itself, don’t expect to eradicate it overnight. Also, don’t assume a single action or technique will get rid of this gunk More: Salt Smart Tips for Soothing Those Hair Algae Headaches… More:
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