Blackout for hair algae...how long is recommended?

cody6766 · 06/02/2010, 11:57 AM

I have some tufts of hair algae popping up as well as some crap on my sand bed. I'm 2 weeks into vodka dosing and haven't seen much of an improvement.

A little pre-algae history

I'm running T5's, but had older ones in before the breakout. Some of the rock had a HA infestation in the past, but I cooked it off and hadn't had any issues until now. The old T5s have since been replaced with a TEK fixture and new bulbs. I'm still working up the light acclimation as I added 2 bulbs and went from 24w to 39w.
Nitrates and phosphate test in at 0, as they always seem to do in these cases. I assume it's being chewed up by the HA and by the chaeto in my fuge.
The rock has been running in this system for about 2 years. I changed aquariums about 3 months ago, but the algae issue is a new one.

Maintenence hasn't changed nor has stocking.

So, back to the original question...how long would you guys black out the tank? Would 2-3 days work? Should i do it for 2-3 days, light it for a day and then black out again? I have some SPS and a clam that are my biggest concern, so I want to get this right.

Greg 45 · 06/02/2010, 12:00 PM

I have read 3 days. This is not the solution. Try and find where your problem is comming from . It took me a while to find mine. It was the food that I was using . I have a redox probe that would skyrocket after feeding . I checked the food and that was the problem.
LOL

06/02/2010, 11:57 AM	#1
cody6766 Super Best Friends! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 3,772	Blackout for hair algae...how long is recommended? I have some tufts of hair algae popping up as well as some crap on my sand bed. I'm 2 weeks into vodka dosing and haven't seen much of an improvement. A little pre-algae history I'm running T5's, but had older ones in before the breakout. Some of the rock had a HA infestation in the past, but I cooked it off and hadn't had any issues until now. The old T5s have since been replaced with a TEK fixture and new bulbs. I'm still working up the light acclimation as I added 2 bulbs and went from 24w to 39w. Nitrates and phosphate test in at 0, as they always seem to do in these cases. I assume it's being chewed up by the HA and by the chaeto in my fuge. The rock has been running in this system for about 2 years. I changed aquariums about 3 months ago, but the algae issue is a new one. Maintenence hasn't changed nor has stocking. So, back to the original question...how long would you guys black out the tank? Would 2-3 days work? Should i do it for 2-3 days, light it for a day and then black out again? I have some SPS and a clam that are my biggest concern, so I want to get this right.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
RowaPhos and Hair Algae?	GlassReef	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	74	11/21/2012 01:51 AM
zoas have green hair algae growing in side	coraltankmaster	Zoanthids	6	02/05/2012 11:45 PM
taming my hair algae	BradMugs	Do It Yourself	13	02/27/2011 09:14 PM
Considering a 3 day blackout to fight hair algae, thoughts?	zero26	Saint Louis Area Saltwater Hobbyists (SLASH)	19	10/01/2009 10:40 AM
bubble algae and long hair algae control???	pogiboy67	New to the Hobby	9	02/24/2006 02:43 PM

06/02/2010, 12:00 PM	#2
Greg 45 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bayonne,N.J. Posts: 1,159	I have read 3 days. This is not the solution. Try and find where your problem is comming from . It took me a while to find mine. It was the food that I was using . I have a redox probe that would skyrocket after feeding . I checked the food and that was the problem. LOL