algae hairball?

neededahobby · 09/06/2015, 08:27 AM

One clump of Algae in the back of my tank seems to be indestructible?

History. Back in july went on 1st vacation, sitters overfed and came back to green hair algea explosion (pic 1). No trouble - this was actually expected to happen eventually since still a new tank, fish all fine, just needed water change and proper cleanup crew. Added snails, crabs even an urchin and within weeks everything better. (pic 2) However nearly 2 months later there is still one clump of algae on a rock in the back that just never gets eaten or goes away. Tried to get shots from side and front (pic 3 and 4).

I can't really see the clump unless I am looking for it since it grows behind some rock work so it doesn't bother me. It may be shrinking slightly but is surprisingly persistent. The tank is otherwise doing good but I am shocked it isn't being eaten up. I have a star blenny, 1 emerald crab, 5 red leg hermits, plus turbo snails, astrea, cerith snails.. but they see to leave that little ball of algae alone

just curious if other have had similar occurrence.

hkgar · 09/06/2015, 01:19 PM

Yup I have the same thing as a left over from an outbreak. Absolutely nothing eats it. Also seems to grow out of small holes in the rock

Emma1234 · 09/06/2015, 02:18 PM

I recently bought a Two Little Fishies ATLPBR150 GFO PhosBan Reactor 150 because I had quite a bit of hair algae.

I also have been taking out some of the rocks and quickly scrubbing the algae off with a toothbrush during my weekly water change.

My phosphates have come down a lot.

But I still have hair algae.

Next I'm going to add to my cleanup crew. I think I've lost some snails are shrimp overtime.

neededahobby · 09/06/2015, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkgar

Yup I have the same thing as a left over from an outbreak. Absolutely nothing eats it. Also seems to grow out of small holes in the rock

so it isn't just me

I joke I have an algae coral back there since it really is almost ball like and contained on a rock. Figure it adds to the live rock filtering but it is weird

09/06/2015, 01:19 PM	#2
hkgar Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Dewitt MI Posts: 5,051	Yup I have the same thing as a left over from an outbreak. Absolutely nothing eats it. Also seems to grow out of small holes in the rock __________________ Gary 180 gallon, 40 gallon sump, 3 250 W MH + 4 80W ATI T5's, MTC MVX 36 Skimmer, Apex controller Aquamaxx T-3 CaRx Current Tank Info: A 2 Barred Rabbitfish, Red Head Salon, Yellow/Purple, McMaster Fairy, Possum, 2 Leopard Wrasses, Kole, & Atlantic Blue Tangs, 2 Percula Clown, 3 PJ and 1 Banggai Cardinalfish , Swallowtail, Bellus and Coral Beauty Angels

09/06/2015, 02:18 PM	#3
Emma1234 Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: New Jersey Posts: 167	I recently bought a Two Little Fishies ATLPBR150 GFO PhosBan Reactor 150 because I had quite a bit of hair algae. I also have been taking out some of the rocks and quickly scrubbing the algae off with a toothbrush during my weekly water change. My phosphates have come down a lot. But I still have hair algae. Next I'm going to add to my cleanup crew. I think I've lost some snails are shrimp overtime.