Referred to as Green Hair or Net Algae, learn about unwanted nuisance Bryopsis, Derbesia, and Cladophora species identification, why outbreaks occur, what makes these macroalgae grow, and how to control or get rid of them in saltwater aquarium systems.
With more than 7000 green species growing in a variety of habitats of both fresh and saltwater, this makes the
Chlorophyta phylum one of the most diverse groups of algae. Learn more about the overall characteristics of photosynthetic alga through this introduction to
Chlorophyta, or the green algae group.
A profile from you Guides on Genera
Bryopsis, Derbesia, Chaetomorpha, Cladophora, Cladophoropsis, Valonia, Ventricaria, Dictyosphaeria, Enteromorpha and
Ulva, which are green algae that can become a nuisance and cause problems in saltwater aquariums if they are not controlled or removed.
How do I get rid of green hair algae? Once it appears in your tank it can multiply very rapidly. Here is information about how to get rid of problem hair algae in a saltwater aquarium.
Green Hair Algae Photo by Steven Boss. The trapped bubbles you see are caused by gasses being released from the algae as it decomposes. This is usually a sign the algae is starting to die off.
Simply put, if what you are seeing in your tank is a green, feathery looking mass, it is probably Green Hair or Net Algae. Once this type of macroalgae gets a foothold in a saltwater aquarium, it can soon cover everything in your tank if prompt measures are not taken. Curing this problem is the same as the prevention -- starve it into oblivion.
Nitrate (NOł) in a saltwater aquarium is a main food supply for many forms of nuisance algae. A number of methods and materials, other than denitrator coils, have been utilized to absorb or convert nitrates to a harmless substance. Here are some of the top products available on the market today.
Phosphate and Nitrate are the main food for Green Hair and other algae. Until recently, the only way to reduce their levels was to perform repetitive water changes. With the scientific advances, there are now a number of excellent products which are easy to use and remove phosphates quickly and safely. From granulated products to simple pads, there is a variety of products to choose from.
Your About Guides give an overall profile on hermit crabs in general as good scavengers, things to consider before buying one, and which types are considered to be some of the best algae eating reef tank janitors.
Your About Guides profile true crabs of the
Subphylum Crustacea - Class Malacostraca, and which species are considered to be reef and non-reef safe.
Your About Guides profile marine snails of the
Gastropoda class, and which species are considered to be some of the best algae eating reef tank janitors to have.
A highly competitive and opportunistic hair type alga, view photos to identify and learn about the structure, habitat, distribution, and more on
Bryopsis hypnoides from the UH Botany Department Web site.
Another highly competitive, opportunistic, as well as rahter invasive hair type alga, view photos to identify and learn about the structure, habitat, distribution, and more on
Bryopsis pennata from the UH Botany Department Web site.
Browse this key of
commom Cladophora species to view photos and read brief descriptions on these invasive green hair type alga from the UH Manoa Botany Deparment site.
An invasive native species of Hawai'i, but also found worldwide,
Cladophora sericea is a branching green filamentous or hair type alga that is a competitive and opportunistic settler that responds to variations in the environment. View photos and learn about this species from the UH Botany Deparment site.
Another native species of Hawai'i that is found worldwide,
Cladophora vagabunda forms and attaches small pompon-like tufts on hard substrates. Although an opportunistic settler that responds to variations in the environment, it is less invasive then
C. sericea described above. View photos and learn about this species from the UH Botany Deparment site.
From Janet's Reef, Janet shares how the addition of a Sea Hare (Dolabella auricularia) helped to eliminate a bad green hair algae problem she had been battling in her 120g reef tank for almost a year.
From the Thiel Marine Infobase site, Albert Thiel addresses an aquarist's problem of excess green hair algae and gives his advice of how to harvest it properly to keep it in balance.
