Found a way to destroy hair algae!!!

I have had a green hair algae outbreak for about a month now. Did all the right things to combat it (Phosban reactor, trim back feedings, blow off rocks, etc.etc.) Well the spreading has stopped but the existing wont budge. So I filled a small pot with ro/di and boiled it--while it is boiling I got a small syringe and fired boiling hot water on it. It turns a bright green when you cook it. The next day it is gone. The only fallout is a white die-off spot on the rock, but it quickly grows over again. So far it is working. I have only done a few, but I will keep you posted on progress.;D;D;D

 

Interesting. If you do it in small doses it sounds like a good plan.

 

sounds interesting keep us updated on the progress

 

...would this work with cyano? ...we'll see...!

 

Don't know!!! This is a highly scientific experiment and should only be done by trained professionals! I just got home and did a little more--My Yellow Tang who never touched the stuff is picking away at the "cooked" parts. I think I am on to something!!! I cant believe I am the only one to think of this. There has to be a down side, but havn't seen one yet.

 

wow.....i might have to try this very soon cause I have the same problem after taking the right steps to prevent it and it still likes to show so I may be trying this soon

 

Hey Robman

I have also taken this drastic action previously with stubborn algae on rock work

down side - if its done slowly, 1 rock at a time and parameters monitored I know it was OK

But imagine the worst case scenario of a Berlin system - all filtration on live rock and to much rock boiled at any one time - the boiling water kills everything including the bacteria needed to process the wastes

doing 1 rock at a time and allowing a gap for the bacteria to recolonise before doing another rock was OK IME - no parameter issues recorded

But unless nutrients/ source is isolated and dealt with, by the time you deal with the last rock, algae has started to grow again on the previous ones ( That was my experience)

Steve

 

Hey Steve good to talk to ya!!! I believe that I have stopped the source. I also agree that a little at a time is best for the same reason--dont want to wipe out too much bacteria. I have about 330lbs and the algae is on maybe 10 rocks-I also have the sump and a fuge. I will still take it slow. By the way--the Tangs and some of the others are really going at the algae now--really neat.

 

Hi Robman , my comments where primarily aimed at anyone who might decide to spend Saturday boiling all their rocks
( well you gotta have a hobby)

I know you will be OK and not kill off your filter system in 24 hours


Steve

 

hahahah---No I am not boiling the whole rock--just firing boiling water from a syringe at the spots of algae. PLEASE NO ONE BOIL THEIR ROCKS!!!
I will know more later, but the yellow tang is hard at work on the cooked algae---this cant be this easy. Not after all the other stuff I tried.:-/