Hair Algae

Ok so I have hair algae in my tank without a clue to how it happened. My parameters are

temp-78 degrees
spec Gravity- 1.023
PH-8.1
alk-2.0
nitrite-0
nitrate-0
ammonia- .116 ppm according to the chart red sea gave me.

I do think that one thing could be the cause for my ammonia to be out of wack and that is that my skimmer was on the frits and was skimming dark green material for awhile but I had to crank it all the way up to make it run efficiently but after that night it kicked back up to its full potential and the skimmate went into the refugium. I did a 20% water change on my 120 and I am hoping that my levels go down. Could this be the cause of my algae?

 

Ammonia has no real effect on algae so I would say no. Its usually high nitrates or phosphates that feed algae. Also old light bulbs can cause it to grow.

 

As mentioned, old bulbs, phosphates, nitrates – sometimes your tests do not show high results since the HA is consuming the nutrients at the same pace they are being generated. Manually removing the algae should result in a more accurate test result.

Do a water change (ro/di), check your feeding schedule, get a couple sponges and you should be fine. Identify the cause and resolve it - or you will be batteling this for a long time to come.

 

Could a large amount of dry rock put into the tank cause this?

 

what kind of rock? and was it rinsed? it it was rinsed aragonite rock I would not expect hair algae (maybe some diatoms from initial silicate leeching). if its Tufa or something real off the wall like lava rock it could definitely be the cause

 

My yellow eye tang takes care of all mine!

 

Actually I think I found the cause, The lighting system I purchased I am using the Metal Halides that came with it, they are rated at 14k but the lighting looks very yellow. I will upgrade my lights to some 14k Phoenix. Plus I think it might be due to my skimmer overflowing into my refugium.

 

Do you dose trace elements ? Is your iron high ?

 

As your bulbs age they tend to appear more yellow - the return of the DOC's from your skimmer to the system is certainly an issue. Sounds like you are on the right track to resolving it - good for you.