Cleaning hair algae off live rock help

Amatuer21 · 12/14/2012, 07:17 PM

So i have hair algae growning in a few spots on my live rock. Im a week away from my next water change. My question is, is that can i scrub my rock off under tap water to rid of the algae or does it have to be in saltwater? Maybe over thinking things but i want to be sure!

Amatuer21 · 12/14/2012, 07:18 PM

growing*

biecacka · 12/14/2012, 07:22 PM

RoDi water would be best but honestly I use tap water and peroxide to scrub mine off. It works great.
Then dip it in fresh RoDi water real quick and back in the tank
Corey

Amatuer21 · 12/14/2012, 07:45 PM

ok i got plenty of rodi. i didnt know if it was bad or not. My tank is only a little over 2 months old so im tryin to stay on top of these algae breakouts

Dexters Reef · 12/14/2012, 11:15 PM

Remove the rock and drench the algae with 3% hydrogen peroxide outside of water. let the rock sit out of water for 5 minutes making sure the algae stays wet with hydrogen peroxide...add more if needed. Do not do any scrubbing, just make sure the algae is saturated with hydrogen peroxide.

After 5 minutes, dip once real quick in rodi, and place back in the tank right away. You should see the algae releasing tons of bubbles. Just leave it alone now and in about 3 days the algae will be 80-100% gone. If there is any leftover, repeat this and it should be taken care of.

Dont let the hydrogen peroxide hit corals though, it can stress them.

sponger0 · 12/15/2012, 07:07 AM

But be aware that peroxide and plain water will kill any life on the rock.

billdogg · 12/15/2012, 07:25 AM

Why kill off the good stuff too? Kinda like cutting off your nose to spite your face IMO.

Just remove the offending piece of rock and then, using the water removed for the water change (old tank water) in a bucket scrub it off as best you can. Swish the rock around a bit and put it back in. Nothing good dies that way!

Next - determine WHY you are having a hair algae outbreak. Usually it is due to excess nutrients in the water - over feeding and insufficient water changes are the usual culprits. Fix the cause and you won't have to worry about the effect!

trinidiver · 12/15/2012, 10:10 AM

Also too much light period, old bulbs depending on type, Phosphates too high

gbru316 · 12/15/2012, 10:56 AM

Cleaning the nutrients from your tank is the best way to clean hair algae off of anything.

Absolutely no reason to remove the rock and soak or scrub in anything, a spot or 2 of algae is COMPLETELY normal (and certainly not anything close to an outbreak), especially with a young tank like yours. Nothing to worry about.

Keep nitrate and phosphate low and you won't have any problems.

FWIW, here's my current tank at 2 months:

I'm now approaching 4 months and I don't have any algae present. I didn't do anything except get (and) keep nitrate and phosphate as low as possible, and once it was undetectable, I pulled what I could with my fingers. The stuff I couldn't remove manually ended up starving and disappearing.

sponger0 · 12/15/2012, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbru316

Cleaning the nutrients from your tank is the best way to clean hair algae off of anything.

Absolutely no reason to remove the rock and soak or scrub in anything, a spot or 2 of algae is COMPLETELY normal (and certainly not anything close to an outbreak), especially with a young tank like yours. Nothing to worry about.

Actually there are good reasons. If you can do a water change, and the water removed from the tank can be used to scrub the hair algae off. And put the rock back into the tank. This will remove the phosphates the HA is using and will remove it from your tank.

Keeping nutrients low is good prevention and eradication methods, but you can do more than just that.

gbru316 · 12/15/2012, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sponger0

Actually there are good reasons. If you can do a water change, and the water removed from the tank can be used to scrub the hair algae off. And put the rock back into the tank. This will remove the phosphates the HA is using and will remove it from your tank.

Keeping nutrients low is good prevention and eradication methods, but you can do more than just that.

The OP doesn't have a hair outbreak, it's merely "a few spots."

Desperate times call for desperate measures, but "a few spots" isn't a disaster. If this algae was overwhelming livestock and growing out of control, removing rocks and scrubbing would be in store.

In this case, controlling nutrients should be more than adequate, and less work.

sponger0 · 12/15/2012, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbru316

The OP doesn't have a hair outbreak, it's merely "a few spots."

Desperate times call for desperate measures, but "a few spots" isn't a disaster. If this algae was overwhelming livestock and growing out of control, removing rocks and scrubbing would be in store.

In this case, controlling nutrients should be more than adequate, and less work.

Ok my fault lol. You know there are at least 50 threads a day started about hair algae lol.

But yes nutrient control is your best thing. Water changes, GFO or other phos media in a reactor, easy on the feedings and not over stocking the tank.

But in extreme cases, rock scrubbing does help.

OKCchief · 12/15/2012, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amatuer21

ok i got plenty of rodi. i didnt know if it was bad or not. My tank is only a little over 2 months old so im tryin to stay on top of these algae breakouts

I had a horrible outbreak in my first tank. Hairn algae growing on the wall, rocks and sand. I got 4 turbo snails which made short work of the algae. My nitrates went up of course, but I did allot of water changes to get it under control. Find out the source first or it will be back.

gbru316 · 12/15/2012, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sponger0

Ok my fault lol. You know there are at least 50 threads a day started about hair algae lol.

But yes nutrient control is your best thing. Water changes, GFO or other phos media in a reactor, easy on the feedings and not over stocking the tank.

But in extreme cases, rock scrubbing does help.

Yeah, this forum would probably run much quicker if they were more strict about using the search button before posting new threads.

If all "help, algae," "help, everything is dead" and "what LED should I pick" posters would use the search button before posting, RC would probably only have a quarter of the posts it has.

sponger0 · 12/15/2012, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbru316

Yeah, this forum would probably run much quicker if they were more strict about using the search button before posting new threads.

If all "help, algae," "help, everything is dead" and "what LED should I pick" posters would use the search button before posting, RC would probably only have a quarter of the posts it has.

I agree. Using the search is a good way to get quicker answers. But I think alot of new people are a little scared and want people to help them along. But self research will give you answers quickly. Not only on here, but other forums as well.

One of my favorite phrases for reefing: "Google is your friend"

And dont forget all the cycling question posts lol

SaltyWenStirred · 12/15/2012, 12:07 PM

I have a piece of favia that is doing great. But it doesn't cover the rock it's on entirely. A small area has hair algae growing out of it. I can't take it out and scrub it without hurting the favia. Any ideas?

sponger0 · 12/15/2012, 12:12 PM

No. Not a good idea. But if you can pick the algae off with tweezers without harming the coral would help.

But is still boils down to nutrient control.

petere1989 · 12/15/2012, 12:28 PM

i had bad hair algae in my tank. I took the rock out and let it dry, so it killed everything in the rock. Then I put it in hot water, couple glugs of bleach and scrubbed. Rock is clean! but it kills your live rock obviously but thats ok if you don't care. check your phosphates and nitrates to rid of your problem.

OKCchief · 12/15/2012, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbru316

Yeah, this forum would probably run much quicker if they were more strict about using the search button before posting new threads.

If all "help, algae," "help, everything is dead" and "what LED should I pick" posters would use the search button before posting, RC would probably only have a quarter of the posts it has.

As I just read the rules, I found nothing in there about asking a question that has already been asked. Maybe reefcental doesn't have a problem with people doing that....

BAGGERZ13 · 12/15/2012, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OKCchief

As I just read the rules, I found nothing in there about asking a question that has already been asked. Maybe reefcental doesn't have a problem with people doing that....

He didn't say anything about there being a rule of searching before posting questions like this over and over...He was simplay saying if more people used the search function of the forum to try and figure out their problem before just posting something about it....there must me so many posts about the same exact thing such as what does cycling mean? what test to i need to do? algea outbreak!?!?!? RC is here to help everyone even the veterans at times, but just about every question ive seen people ask can be answered by a quick search. I am new here and very new to saltwater aquariums but i also search on RC use youtube and other google searches to find what im looking for before i just post on here...

sponger0 · 12/15/2012, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAGGERZ13

He didn't say anything about there being a rule of searching before posting questions like this over and over...He was simplay saying if more people used the search function of the forum to try and figure out their problem before just posting something about it....there must me so many posts about the same exact thing such as what does cycling mean? what test to i need to do? algea outbreak!?!?!? RC is here to help everyone even the veterans at times, but just about every question ive seen people ask can be answered by a quick search. I am new here and very new to saltwater aquariums but i also search on RC use youtube and other google searches to find what im looking for before i just post on here...

Basically. If you come here everyday, youll see basically the same posts over and over.

Hair algae, cyano, cycling, lighting, leds, and so on. Its easy to search for generally most topics.

DBLeite · 12/15/2012, 03:57 PM

H202 works great

BAGGERZ13 · 12/15/2012, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sponger0

Basically. If you come here everyday, youll see basically the same posts over and over.

Hair algae, cyano, cycling, lighting, leds, and so on. Its easy to search for generally most topics.

Completely understood and yes you are correct. Ive been pretty much living on this forum since ive even had the idea of getting an aquarium. Just researching and researching and more researching. Every step of the way in this hobby from the beginning is going to have its difficulties and test us new reefers on the skills that we have learned from you veterans. One of the best tools ive used besides this website is youtube. If you youtube different problems you encounter or just how to do something not only do they explain it to you but you also get to see what equiptment/tools they use and how they use them....Makes the learning process go a little more smoothly.

sponger0 · 12/15/2012, 04:10 PM

Youtube has alot of bad information for people entering the hobby. I wouldnt use that as a reliable source.

BAGGERZ13 · 12/15/2012, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sponger0

Youtube has alot of bad information for people entering the hobby. I wouldnt use that as a reliable source.

Even the videos from bulkreefsupply and more profession style videos?

12/14/2012, 07:17 PM	#1
Amatuer21 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Cuyahoga Falls Posts: 1,303	Cleaning hair algae off live rock help So i have hair algae growning in a few spots on my live rock. Im a week away from my next water change. My question is, is that can i scrub my rock off under tap water to rid of the algae or does it have to be in saltwater? Maybe over thinking things but i want to be sure!

12/14/2012, 11:15 PM	#5
Dexters Reef Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 730	Remove the rock and drench the algae with 3% hydrogen peroxide outside of water. let the rock sit out of water for 5 minutes making sure the algae stays wet with hydrogen peroxide...add more if needed. Do not do any scrubbing, just make sure the algae is saturated with hydrogen peroxide. After 5 minutes, dip once real quick in rodi, and place back in the tank right away. You should see the algae releasing tons of bubbles. Just leave it alone now and in about 3 days the algae will be 80-100% gone. If there is any leftover, repeat this and it should be taken care of. Dont let the hydrogen peroxide hit corals though, it can stress them. __________________ 75G RR, Trigger Systems Ruby 30S sump, 2x250 MH and 4x54W T5HO, Octopus Diablo XS160, 4" DSB, 2 x MP40wES, 85 lbs LR, 2 x BRS Dosing Pumps, Finnex 300w titanium heater, Surf2 Algae Turf Scrubber

12/15/2012, 07:25 AM	#7
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	Why kill off the good stuff too? Kinda like cutting off your nose to spite your face IMO. Just remove the offending piece of rock and then, using the water removed for the water change (old tank water) in a bucket scrub it off as best you can. Swish the rock around a bit and put it back in. Nothing good dies that way! Next - determine WHY you are having a hair algae outbreak. Usually it is due to excess nutrients in the water - over feeding and insufficient water changes are the usual culprits. Fix the cause and you won't have to worry about the effect! __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

12/15/2012, 10:10 AM	#8
trinidiver Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Sweet Trinidad & Tobago. (West Indies) Posts: 1,141	Also too much light period, old bulbs depending on type, Phosphates too high __________________ Always expect anything from your friends......they will shoot you down as they get a chance. Current Tank Info: Its a 220gal reef.......LPS/leathers/zoas. Check my album.

12/15/2012, 12:07 PM	#16
SaltyWenStirred Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 245	I have a piece of favia that is doing great. But it doesn't cover the rock it's on entirely. A small area has hair algae growing out of it. I can't take it out and scrub it without hurting the favia. Any ideas? __________________ Innovative Marine 38g Nuvo Tank; Skkye 92W LED light Innovative Marine AuqaGadget - Skimmate Protein Skimmer, midsize Innovative Marine MiniMax All-In-One Media Reactor (PhosGuard) Nikon D90 35mm

12/14/2012, 07:18 PM	#2
Amatuer21 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Cuyahoga Falls Posts: 1,303	growing*

12/14/2012, 07:22 PM	#3
biecacka Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 6,361	RoDi water would be best but honestly I use tap water and peroxide to scrub mine off. It works great. Then dip it in fresh RoDi water real quick and back in the tank Corey

12/14/2012, 07:45 PM	#4
Amatuer21 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Cuyahoga Falls Posts: 1,303	ok i got plenty of rodi. i didnt know if it was bad or not. My tank is only a little over 2 months old so im tryin to stay on top of these algae breakouts

12/15/2012, 07:07 AM	#6
sponger0 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 6,659	But be aware that peroxide and plain water will kill any life on the rock.

12/15/2012, 10:56 AM	#9
gbru316 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Lancaster,PA Posts: 1,720	Cleaning the nutrients from your tank is the best way to clean hair algae off of anything. Absolutely no reason to remove the rock and soak or scrub in anything, a spot or 2 of algae is COMPLETELY normal (and certainly not anything close to an outbreak), especially with a young tank like yours. Nothing to worry about. Keep nitrate and phosphate low and you won't have any problems. FWIW, here's my current tank at 2 months: I'm now approaching 4 months and I don't have any algae present. I didn't do anything except get (and) keep nitrate and phosphate as low as possible, and once it was undetectable, I pulled what I could with my fingers. The stuff I couldn't remove manually ended up starving and disappearing.

12/15/2012, 12:12 PM	#17
sponger0 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 6,659	No. Not a good idea. But if you can pick the algae off with tweezers without harming the coral would help. But is still boils down to nutrient control.

12/15/2012, 12:28 PM	#18
petere1989 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Peoria, Illinois Posts: 949	i had bad hair algae in my tank. I took the rock out and let it dry, so it killed everything in the rock. Then I put it in hot water, couple glugs of bleach and scrubbed. Rock is clean! but it kills your live rock obviously but thats ok if you don't care. check your phosphates and nitrates to rid of your problem.

12/15/2012, 03:57 PM	#22
DBLeite Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 50	H202 works great

12/15/2012, 04:10 PM	#24
sponger0 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 6,659	Youtube has alot of bad information for people entering the hobby. I wouldnt use that as a reliable source.