Unstoppable GHA, how can it be elimanated

[nicisareefer]

I've had gha in my fluval 32.5 gallon for over 1 year now and I can't find a way to stop it. I've tried manual removal, upgrading the protein skimmer, getting a urchin and nothing works. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Timfish]

I use manual removal, both removing a rock and scubbing it in a container of aquarium water (if practicle depending on what else is growing on it) and using steel straws, and urchins. FWIW, this is the same basic method used by NOAA to remediate algae issues in Kaneohe Bay in Hawai'i.

It can take time, but it's what has worked best for me for decades. Rock urchins are my preffered urchin but any of the short spined ones work well.

 

[56longroof]

What are your phosphate levels? A sea hare or lettuce nudibranch are good at eating hair algea as well.

 

[Subsea]

@nicisareefer
Not sure I have tips for you as I have been reefing for 55yrs and I have some GHA. Manual removal has always worked best for me.

Let’s see a full tank shot with white light.

Please list livestock & cuc in the tank.

What are your parameters?

Please describe your biofiltration.

What other nutrient export besides protein skimmer?

 

[Subsea]

I use manual removal, both removing a rock and scubbing it in a container of aquarium water (if practicle depending on what else is growing on it) and using steel straws, and urchins. FWIW, this is the same basic method used by NOAA to remediate algae issues in Kaneohe Bay in Hawai'i.

It can take time, but it's what has worked best for me for decades. Rock urchins are my preffered urchin but any of the short spined ones work well.

Kudoes to steel straw link. I especially liked the “hydro mechanics” tip about creating more vacuum at point of application by using larger diameter syphon hose.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

For me, I increase the flow, I increase water changes and manual removal, and I increase the algae grazing snails. I stop feeding pellets and flakes and feed only frozen after rinsing it. IMO Its really about limiting the nutrients and docs so algae can't thrive, then removing the bulk of it manually so the algae grazers can mow down whats left.

As mentioned above, please share more details on your tank and some tank pictures.

 

[fishywishy]

Remove as much as you can buy hand and then buy a solid CUC to take care of the rest.

 

[keagan]

If you have the money turf scrubbers work well I ran an icecap a couple years and it worked really well. However eventually you won't need it anymore and resale value on them isn't high.

 

[KrisReef]

Had to fire up the way back machine to resurrect the link
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/official-sand-rinse-and-tank-transfer-thread.230281/post-2679676

 

[nicisareefer]

Thanks guys, I will try some of those tips and will post a pic of tank once I do a bit of cleaning

 

[Waters]

While I can't offer any solutions for elimination, I can say that I have kept mature live rock covered in GHA in brute cans for months (in between switching tanks) in total darkness (occasional overhead basements lights) with 0 phosphates and nitrates and it not only survived but it flourished. I think we have lots to learn about its' survivability lol.