Hair Algea - MyFishTank.Net Freshwater Saltwater Aquarium Fish Forum

kitten · 06-19-2001, 07:28 PM

I CAN NOT get any flagfish. Its getting to where the fish don't even graze it anymore. I cut the val right back, and that seems to have worked for now. But I neeeeeed suggestions! please help me  :-[ there are no fish here that exclusivly eat hair algea. I bought some glass shrimp and thay dont like it either.

dattack · 06-19-2001, 07:42 PM

I think there are 3 fishies that eat hair algae: FFF, SAE, amano shrimps. *I can get only the amano shrimps at my LFS and they are not even touching it. *I actually don't know where they are hiding too.  Other than the natural algae eaters, the only way to control algae is water changes and making sure the phosphate it slow with phosguard or phoszorb.  I have an abundance of hair algae too and it's because my tap water contains a lot of phosphates.

fishboy · 06-22-2001, 04:20 PM

Are you sure that the amano shrimp haven't been eaten ??? ;DNah J/K  

I have heard of SAE's eating algae and amano shrimp you could try some of those Kitten

Excuse me for asking but what are FFF's  :

???  

dattack · 06-22-2001, 05:07 PM

FFF=Florida Flag Fish

Matt Nace · 06-22-2001, 05:42 PM

I tried to reply to this several times the other day...but it wasn't letting me...

What is your NitrAtes?
What are your Phosphates?
What is your Iron levels?

How much light do you provide?
Are your bulbs fairly new?
What size tank?
How many plants are in the tank(full , half planted?)
Do you use Co2?(how many bubbles/sec)
Do you use a liquid fert?(what kind)
Do you fert the sustrate?(what kind)
What is your substrate?

Need to find out what is out of wack..making the hair algae grow.

There are ways where you can beat the hair algae, w/o the fish(the fish just help)

kitten · 06-23-2001, 04:42 AM

40 gallon tank half planted. I couldn't tell you the levals of nitrates/phosphates/iron in this tank at the moment, i've got to buy more test kits. (they run out just as i have a problem) This tank has only been running for about a month and a half. Everything has been perfect. All the equiptment is brand new. Its 30w of light until i get another tube (50$each) No co2, i refuse to use it, my plants do great without the added extras. Liquid fertilizer (aquasonic dailygrow australian made) and root tabs (aquasonic hydrogrow also aust. made so i don't think you'd know it) Theres afternoon sunlight in one corner of the tank for about 15mins, i doubt that would have something to do with it.

i'm gonna try the flying foxes (SAE) and if that doesn't work...well...i'm screwed.

dattack · 06-23-2001, 05:09 AM

Just be careful in terms of what algae eater you are going to get.  The flying fox actually doesn't really eat hair algae as the true siamese algae eater.  They are totally different.  The flying fox actually is more aggressive and you can only have one in the tank.  They almost look totally like the SAE but they have distinctive black bands on their dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins.  Check out the site if you already haven't done so.  http://www.thekrib.com/Fish/Algae-Eaters/

ryanp15 · 06-23-2001, 11:20 AM

Kitten why don't you just get some flagfish ??? ;D j/k You can have mine! I hate them right now. &gt;

I would also make sure you get the true SAE and not the flying foxes. They don't so the same job! ;D

Matt Nace · 06-23-2001, 12:01 PM

Your plants are not using all the nutrients in the water, before the algae gets it.

The only way to do this is to increase the lighting, and add Co2.

Why do you refuse..it is so easy to do.

I would cut back on your doses of liquid ferts, it is only feeding the algae.

Dose daily, and in less amounts.

what are you root tabs made of?

are they 0-0-3?

if they have any phosphate or nitrogen, I wouldn't use them, until you get rid of the algae. Use 0-0-3 root tabs +iron.

This algae can be frustrating, but there is always a factor or two that causes it.

Matt Nace · 06-23-2001, 12:11 PM

The krib guide is a good one, but I still got confused at first.

The SAE , I have found has a reddish glow on his back when he is happy.

The False SAE is easy to tell because of his mouth and upper back color

The flying fox's fins are shaded, or a slight color tint when little.....while the SAE is totally clear.

That is where I can tell(when young) Plus the SAE are usually pretty nice..while the Flying foxs are kinda after each other.

It is easy when you keep the SAE and false..to spot a flying fox...not so easy when you first are looking. My pet store had SAE..but they had slightly shaded fins, and were chasing each other a lot..which showed they were flying foxes. They are so close looking to each other.