Green hair algae

[Myka]

Originally Posted by gobytron

Haha...I wonder what mother nature would call this bandaid solution...lol

Originally Posted by fkshiu

I don't see how adding a creature to eat the hair algae is a "bandaid" either. If that we're the guess your entire clean-up crew would be a "bandaid" solution. It is merely one in a combination of methods that can be used to tackle the problem.

I was mainly referring to adding large or potentially large fish to system for algae control. A balanced clean up crew is essential. Algae is a sign of obvious excess nutrients for one reason or another. You may add a fish or other critter to eat it, but if you carry on with your regime the algae will be back as the nutrients continue to rise. You need to learn to adjust your habits in order to vanquish the algae for the long run. Adding a giant poop machine like a Tang or Foxface to a tank that is already overloaded with nutrients isn't always the best option. People end up putting fish and critters onto their system without really thinking about it too much just because "it will eat the algae". All too often you see big fish crammed into small tanks for this reason. That's why I call it a bandaid. Imo, get rid of the algae first, then add fish.