Bad Algae

[robertprice]

I often get questions about what causes and how to get rid of hair algae. Hair algae is caused by excessive nitrates, excessive phosphates, overfeeding, poop in the gravel, infrequent water changes, and too much light. If you have it, cut your wattage down, feed less, and don't keep lights on for more than 8 hours a day. WildfFish and plants don't live in actinic showcase conditions. Vacuum gravel often, and test for nitrates and phosphates in your tank and tap water.

Most standard algae remedies don't kill all hair algae. Otos and snails make tracks in it, but almost never eradicate it. The two fish that do it best are American Flag Fish and Prochilodus insignis.

[stevem]

I agree with most of what u say
As far as the lights that depend on what is in the tank
If it is a reef or planted tank u r going to need about 10 hour per day. Depending on the light wattage and the live stock that needs it
As far as a fish only tank, the light is more for u then the fish, % hour is fine. If u r near a window even less
Always try to stay clear of direct sunlight. Over stocking and overfeeding r big factors.

[robertprice]

I was referring to fresh water hair algae, but do have to agree sunlight is a major contributor. Most people don't realize that most wild caught fish never see light half as bright as what we put on tanks. And the nitrates are definitely a byproduct of overfeeding in many cases.

[stevem]

i spaek to many hobbist that keep light on 10-12 hour or even longer
not good