If you are an aquarist, you may have heard of hair algae. These tiny green or brown filamentous plants take up nutrients and can be a nuisance. However, they don’t hurt fish. In fact, they are a food source for some creatures. Getting rid of hair algae isn’t as easy as you might think. Luckily, there are several techniques that you can use to combat this common ailment.
The first step in getting rid of this odious affliction is to identify the type of hair algae you have. This is important since the correct treatment will depend on the specific variety you have. Also, you’ll need to determine which solution will work best for your aquarium. There are several options to choose from, but the most effective are the simplest.
Using an algicide is a good way to kill the nasty critters. Use a syringe to apply the solution. You should do this several times over the course of three to four days. Don’t forget to change the water in your tank.
Adding a CO2 gas injection system is another way to get rid of hair algae. Make sure you’re using the right kind of CO2 system, as there are some that can be harmful to your aquatic inhabitants. While it may cost a bit of money, the benefits of a CO2 system are well worth the cost.
Changing the water frequently is a simple yet effective way to prevent hair algae. It’s also a good idea to remove a rock from the water and put it in a separate container. By doing this, you will prevent algae from drifting into your main tank.
Using a UV light is a good idea, too. A good light can help you avoid an outbreak. Other options include placing more plants in the tank to provide shade for the plants and decrease the amount of light available for the algae.
One of the easiest ways to get rid of hair is to simply rip it off. Although it might sound like an old-fashioned remedy, you’ll be surprised at how effective this method is. To do this, wear gloves to avoid snagging the fronds and keep your hands off the water.
Another old-fashioned remedy is a scrubber. While the water in your tank will likely contain a fair amount of hair, scrubbing it will not only get rid of the hair, but will also remove phosphates and silicates. This is an especially useful remedy when your tank is stocked with anubias and other plants.
Using distilled water is one of the simplest ways to get rid of hair. Distilled water is not only free of nitrates and phosphates, but it is treated to remove elements you wouldn’t want in your aquarium.
Lastly, a new toothbrush can be a great way to remove hair on your plant. However, this won’t necessarily work on your tank’s algae. Fortunately, there are several ways to remove hair on your aquarium, including scraping and snagging.