How to Get Rid of Green Hair Algae in a Saltwater Aquarium

Green hair algae thrives in phosphate-rich environments. Your saltwater tank is the perfect spot for growing the algae, as phosphate levels within such aquariums can quickly get out-of-hand. The algae takes over just as quickly as the phosphate accumulates, creating a problem seemingly overnight. Aside from taking the tank completely apart and scrubbing every component, measures exist to eradicate the algae. Don't expect a quick fix however. Green hair algae takes weeks to remove.

Things You'll Need

  • Toothbrush
  • Magnetic aquarium cleaner
  • Deionized water
  • Phosphate-reducing chemicals
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clear the algae from the tank and its contents. Brush rocks and aquarium accessories with a toothbrush. Clean the skimmer, pump, collection cup and intake. Take them out of the tank if necessary. Scrape the sides of the tank with the magnetic aquarium cleaner.

    • 2

      Remove the decaying material and sediment using the turkey baster. Squeeze the bulb and lower it into the water. Let go of the bulb end of the turkey baster in the water to bring water into the syringe end. Squeeze the bulb again, pointing at the rocks lining the bottom of the aquarium to blow up the sediment.

    • 3

      Replace this cloudy water. Remove one-quarter of the tank water and replace it with deionized water found at the pet store. Some of the algae and sediment will remain. They will be filtered out of the water in time.

    • 4

      Add green hair algae-eating animals to your tank. They are mollusks, snails and other crustaceans. Look specifically for limpets, isopods, amphipods, chitons and copepods at your local pet store.

    • 5

      Replace your fish food with a low-phosphate brand to reduce levels inside the tank. Add phosphate reducing chemicals, such as a phosban reactor, phosphate sponge or ferric oxide granules.

    • 6

      Prevent further growth by feeding the fish according to the instructions on the packaging, clearing dead and decaying fish and plants, as well as upgrading the skimmer to one that can handle your tank.