How to Grow Green Hair Algae

Green hair algae is a strain of algae commonly found in fish aquariums and is the ̵6;grey man̵7;s beard̵7; of the algae world. It can grow on just about any surface, from rocks to corals, glass or equipment, and has a greenish grey color and grows in strings that look like hair. Green hair algae is a source of nutrients for many types of common aquarium fish; however, it can very quickly overgrow an aquarium. Growing green hair algae is very simple and can be grown in any aquarium.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Green hair algae
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Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the water in the aquarium nutrient-rich. Green hair algae flourishes in an environment where there are high levels of nitrates in the water, so performing minimal water changes and feeding with dead food (as opposed to live-fish food) will encourage high levels of nitrates in the water.

    • 2

      Move the aquarium so that it has adequate access to sunlight. As a plant, green hair algae needs light in order to grow, and sunlight is the best growth stimulant. Leaving the aquarium lights on continually will also promote green hair algae growth.

    • 3

      Remove competitors. Live plants will compete with the green hair algae for the nutrients in the water, so sparse planting, or having no other live plants in the aquarium is recommended for growing green hair algae.

    • 4

      Avoid algae-eating fish species. There are some fish species whose favorite food is green hair and other types of algae. These fish are to be avoided at all costs if you want your green hair algae to thrive. Species to avoid include the Siamese Algae Eater, the Otocinclus and Bristlenose Catfish and the Sucking Loach.