green hair algae on java moss

lilcavy2

AC Members
Mar 3, 2009
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Tampa, FL
I'm a noob to planted tanks. I tried some nice easy java moss and it got coated in hair algae. How does one go about getting rid of hair algae if it's on a plant you want to keep?
 
It was in my 29 gallon tank, 13 watt flourescent light, 1 cory, 4 zebra danios, 5 tetras and MTS. Of course the hair algae was not only growing on the java moss but also on the plastic/silk plants so I took it out of there. I cleaned the fake plants and replaced them and have no more hair algae in that tank (that was a while ago). The infested java moss has been relegated to a large cup (with a couple MTS that went along for the ride). The cup is by a window. Both plant and algae are growing great, 'course I only want the java moss.
 
I have a book about algae and it says that Hair/Thread algae consists of long green filaments. It grows interwined in moss, attached to leaves near the water surface, on floating plants and in floating mats. High DOC levels (dissolved organic compounds) contribute to its growth.
Known treatments:
Manual removal- use toothbruch or wire brush to remove as much as possible.
maintain proper water changes schedule-weekly / bi-weekly changes.
Algae eaters:
The Florida Flag Fish
Black Mollies
Gold Barbs
Rosie Barbs
Some Cichlids
Amano shrimp

I also have a recipe for getting rid of snails or algae in plants
19 parts water to 1 part bleach soak for 30 seconds then remove and soak for 30 min. in treated water. Some delicate plants might not fair well in this solution.
 
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That is very helpful, thank you! I will try removing those hitchhiker snails and putting the cup in the dark and change the water every day. If that doesn't at least help, I'll try the bleach method. I've already ordered more java moss but I'm sure I'll have to deal with this again so thanks so much!!
 
My 2c:
-tear off the bits that have hair algae. the remaining java moss will grow back.
-reduce the time the light is on to minimize it.
-keep trying ... one shot probably won't get it all.

I wouldnt bleach java Moss...you may not have much left. (you may have MUSH left!)
 
^^ +1

Had this stuff in my saltwater tank for about 1 year, couldn't get any coral or anything because it would take over. I got rid of it with a 3 day black out with doses of Phosban every night. I still have little breakouts when I leave the lights on too long but I'm happy it's gone.
 
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