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.
Green Algae Photos
Photo by Keoki Stender
So, how do your know if the green algae in your tank is the good stuff, or the bad stuff? As a general rule, the good stuff is intentionally imported into a tank via intentional planting, or as a hitch hiker on live rock. The bad stuff just seems to sort of "show up" when the tank conditions are right for its growth. You can see some photos of the "bad types" of green algae in:
- Green Hair Algae Photo
- Cladophora laetevirens
- Cladophora vagabunda
- Bryopsis pennata
- Green Algae Photo Gallery
Fortunately, there are methods to get rid of the bad green algae while still keeping the good green algae in your system.
Cure for Green Hair Algae
Photo by Keoki Stender
A frequently asked question is: How do I get rid of green hair algae? While there are several products on the market which will reduce nitrate and phosphate levels in your tank, experienced aquarists have found that taking care of the causes of high nitrates and phosphates makes more sense. Curing Nuisance Green Hair Algae is a good place to start.
If you want to quickly drop your nitrate and phosphate (algae food) levels from sky high to something in the reasonable range (under 20ppm nitrates, .05ppm PO4), the Rapid Nitrate Reduction Water Change Method will accomplish this in about an hour.
For those who like to think over the horizon, Long Term Nitrate Reduction or a Coil Denitrator might be worth looking into.
Green Algae
Photo by Keoki Stender
Not all Green Algae is detrimental to your aquarium. Many aquarists cultivate some forms of the Caulerpa type macroalgae in their tanks or refugiums to reduce nitrates, phosphates and other toxins and as a food source for Tangs.
It is the Nuisance Type Green Algae (microalgae) which can overgrow an aquarium that people find difficult to deal with. Being able to identify these algae early on is very helpful in eradicating them from your tank.
Natural Algae Eaters
Madelyn Catob
Certain Crabs, Hermit Crabs and Snails consume algae for a living. While they may do a great job of harvesting your algae for you, be very careful about adding to many of these critters to your tank. The leading cause of death in an aquarium for these animals is starvation. Once they have consumed all or most of the algae, there is nothing left to sustain them.
Nitrate & Ways to Control It
PriceGrabber
There are a number of products on the market which will remove Phosphates and Nitrates from your tank water.
