Hair algae...maybe?

[pinkorchid]

Over the last week (or so) I've noticed some green growth on the sand. It's stringy...and seems to be spreading. I did a 5gal water change a few days ago thinking it might help, but it didn't. I am still using tap water for both top up and also with my salt mix. Bad I know....

So what can I do? Is it harmful? Possible causes?

Thanks a bunch!
Amy

[Bergy]

i can be caused by the tap water/unfiltered water...   

anything you do will be upset by the continued use... i fyou are going to invest in treatment it would be counter intuitive to keep using tap water...

[pinkorchid]

Fair enough...

I've been using tap water for a year now...(since set up) would there be a reason it took this long to cause a problem. I've been researching and noticed it can have to do with higher nitrates. I'll test tomorrow, however I've never had issues with that.

hmmmm....

[Bergy]

You are right..it can be nitrates too..i assumed ur standard tests were normal or within range

[Learner]

Do you have any snails?? if so, are they interested in it?
When we had hair algae, the turbos ate it all.

Why do you use tap water...did I miss a thread?...;0)

[pinkorchid]

You are right..it can be nitrates too..i assumed ur standard tests were normal or within range

Yes, I should have mentioned I haven't tested in a bit....I will do them today :)

[pinkorchid]

Do you have any snails?? if so, are they interested in it?
When we had hair algae, the turbos ate it all.

Why do you use tap water...did I miss a thread?...;0)

My snails aren't interested, but I only have ceriths and a few nass snails. The turbos are gonzo.....thx to hermit crab.

Tap water - I didn't know better when setting up. BUT I do now and for someone unknown reason just didn't change my routine since all was well. Is purified bottled water from the grocery store okay?

[Learner]

]
Tap water - I didn't know better when setting up. BUT I do now and for someone unknown reason just didn't change my routine since all was well. Is purified bottled water from the grocery store okay?

I'm thinking that bottled water is better then tap water...over here, we have all sorts of stuff in the tap water : chlorine, fluoride, etc. which renders it useless for marine use.

We use R O Water -reverse osmosis, which is perfect for marine use. Don't know if you have a local supplier who could oblige, we are lucky, and only have to drive about 15 miles for ours.

Other than that, you can go to E-Bay, and put in 'reverse osmosis', for a vast array of systems, some you can operate from a garden tap:   try this link:

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_nkw=reverse+osmosis+unit&_sacat=0&_dmd=2&_odkw=aquatics&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1311

Tania. :0)

[pinkorchid]

Thanks Tania! I'll check out that link. I've never checked for a local supplier....I think it's time to make the switch,  better late than never right 

I do use AquaPlus (tap water conditioner for FW & SW use) which is *supposed* to take most of the additives out.

ETA - Nitrates are fine, reading at 5.

[Bergy]

most of the drops/additives jsut remove the clorine...  you can let the clorine dissapate by putting the water into the jug or container and letting it stand over night.. the clorine will then jsut disspate out..


but the other things arent so much of stuff / junk that is put into the water as just water happens to be in the wter...

stuff like phosphates and silicas and other organics...

RO/DI water filters are relatively cheap, (for me)... but not for everyone... you can get one for about $130 or so...

try searching ebay for filterdirect  or filtersdirect



i would serach around for yoiu, but you will learn stuff by searching...   the big difference is pricfes is  nothign.. that is.. if the price varies by a few bucks or up to about $50  then there is no difference and i suggest going with teh cheaper...

but, when you start seeing differences of about $100 then there is other filters and other stuff included...  just gotta read to find out what the differences are..

I suggest after you read or reseaerch that you come back online with specific questions

[pinkorchid]

Thanks Bill!

I did do a quick search, but will take some time to look through all the details as I don't know anything (obviously) about these things.

You KNOW I'll be back with questions :D

[Bergy]

the www.filtersdirect.com guy is here in so cal... and there are a few more around most are reputable...

if you buy a used one.. you shoiuld plan on buying new replacemnet filters... and the set will run around 40bucks or so...

so, if you can score a used one for about 50 then maybe that will be best...

I like the filters that have the pressurized storage container... and if you plumb it right, you can get drinkin water out of it too... that is a bonus where i live...

but some they already have good tap water so it dont matter..

they have adapters for sinks, hose bibs, (outside faucet), or you can plumb them to the pipes below the sink.. not that hard. but more then a wrench...

[psykokid]

i picked up an RO/DI unit from a guy that had ordered it from http://www.aquasafecanada.com/ Since they are also in Canada you wont have to pay any UPS brokerage or other fees like you will if something gets shipped to you from a vendor in the US..

[pinkorchid]

I was wondering about the filter. Is that something that needs changed/replaced very often?

i picked up an RO/DI unit from a guy that had ordered it from http://www.aquasafecanada.com/ Since they are also in Canada you wont have to pay any UPS brokerage or other fees like you will if something gets shipped to you from a vendor in the US..

Awesome! Thanks i'll check them out :) Brokerage fee suck..LOL

[psykokid]

depending on the quality of your water source (well, municipal, etc..) you will need to change the filters anywhere from 6 months to a year. The RO membrane should last quite a bit longer as long as the filters are doing thier thing and stopping crap from getting to the membrane.