Green Stuff - Yuck

Question
I have a 12 gallon salt water tank and it started out good however I now have this green stuff growing all over my rocks that is long and flowing in the current....when touched its slimy and nasty - I checked my Nitrite levels and they are ok but how do I get rid of this or what is it?


Answer
Hi Tonya. From your description it sounds like you either have a hair algae problem or a green slime algae problem. Both of these forms of algae can be controlled using a couple of different methods. First check for phosphates in your tank. Phosphate even in small amounts can cause some types of algae to grow in your tank. Using strong water flow may keep algae from adhering to surfaces and also help to make your filtration more efficient. A good protein skimmer is also required in getting rid of the dissolved nutrients that build up in your tank and help feed these outbreaks. Frequent small partial water changes using high quality distilled or reverse osmosis water and the use of fresh activated carbon are other ways to rid your tank of the organic waste build up that may contribute to algae growth. Employ all of these and you should see a drastic reduction in the amount of algae you have in your tank. If you do not have any corals in your tank you can also try cutting back the amount of time your lights are on. For example if you normally leave your lights on for a period of twelve hours try cutting it back to 8-9 hours. You can also pick or siphon the algae off of your rocks when doing a partial to help control it even if it is nasty!