Bad Hair Algae

[Myka]

Originally Posted by likwid

My cleanup crew consists of around 6 ceriths, 2 astea, 1 turbo, 2 sand sifting snails, and 4 blue leg hermits.

Holy wowzers!! This may be your problem. The cleanup crew also give off waste. They may eat algae but they also poop!! You have more clean up crew in your 10g than I do in my 33g. I would suggest you cut this down to maybe 1 Cerith, 1 Astraea, 2 Nassarius (I'm assuming this is what you mean by sand sifting snails?), and 2 hermits. Although I would think that 2 hermits and 1 Astraea are likely to be able to keep a tank that size clean. I would take the rest to your LFS. The Turbo in particular is a huge dumptruck of poop.

[digital-audiophile]

This is what has always confused me. You see in many places that it is recommended that you have 1 crab per gallon and 1 snail per 1/2 gallon.

I have always found this to be extreme.

[michika]

I always hear the other way, 1 crab per 1/2g and 1 snail per g. Really just pick what you find best. For me I find more snails work best for me. If you find your cleaning crew works for you, stick with it, if not make changes.

I don't think your clean up crew is the source of your algae problems. It also sounds like you have feeding more then under control. Have you tested your salt for phosphates?

[Myka]

Originally Posted by digital-audiophile

This is what has always confused me. You see in many places that it is recommended that you have 1 crab per gallon and 1 snail per 1/2 gallon.

I have always found this to be extreme.

I agree. I have found the "suggested" clean up crews from LFSs to be quite extreme. I think it's really just a money maker...

[dsaundry]

Ok it souds like you are not overfeeding and as for your clean-up crew, I think that is plenty. I didn't see in previous threads but do you dose with Iodine? If you do, stop for a bit. There are several articles about dosing with Iodine, Pro's+Con's. I still dose as well. There was an interesting article about how Iodine can enhance algae growth as well. So a little becomes a lot. I can sure see why you are frustrated though. If I had hair and it was my tank I would be pulling it all out. Hope this helps.

[Myka]

Any updates?