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My 75 gallon reef tank is getting overrun with hair algae. Parameters are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate, 8.2 pH. Running two AI Prime HD lights for 8 hours daily. Weekly 10% water changes with Red Sea Coral Pro salt. Any tips to cut it back without nuking my Zoanthids and Acros?

Had the same issue last month. Gonna sound weird, but try reducing your light intensity by 20% for a week. Also, grab a few Trochus snails, they're beasts for hair algae. What's your phosphate level? High PO4 feeds that stuff like crazy.

dynamo wrote: ↑Fri Apr 25, 2025 4:55 pm Had the same issue last month. Gonna sound weird, but try reducing your light intensity by 20% for a week. Also, grab a few Trochus snails, they're beasts for hair algae. What's your phosphate level? High PO4 feeds that stuff like crazy.

Agreed on the phosphates. Test with a Hanna checker if you can. I'd also manually remove as much as possible during water changes. A turkey baster works for loose bits. How old's your rockwork? Older setups leach phosphates over time.

My tank's small, 20 gallons, but adding a sea hare cleared my algae in days. They're kinda sketchy though, might munch your macros if you have any.

Yo, rapidox8, you runnin' any GFO? Slap that in a reactor if not. My buddy's tank was a hot mess till he cranked up the GFO and cut feedings to every other day. Whatcha feedin' your fish?

Flowdeep wrote: ↑Fri Apr 25, 2025 7:37 pm Yo, rapidox8, you runnin' any GFO? Slap that in a reactor if not. My buddy's tank was a hot mess till he cranked up the GFO and cut feedings to every other day. Whatcha feedin' your fish?

GFO's solid advice. Also, check your RODI water. TDS creep can dump silicates, which algae loves. What's your TDS meter reading?

I'd hold off on chemical fixes till you've tried the manual removal and critters. Get a bristletooth tang if your tank's big enough—they're lawnmowers for algae. Just watch 'em with corals, some get nippy.

My LFS told me to dose Vibrant, but I've heard mixed reviews. Anyone try it long-term? Don't wanna crash my SPS.

Vibrant's chill for softies, but I'd skip it with Acros. Stick to the basics: lights, nutrients, clean water. You running carbon? Might help with organics fueling the algae.

Thanks, all. Gonna test phosphates tonight and grab some Trochus snails tomorrow. Lights are dialed back to 60% intensity. Feedings are every day with LRS Reef Frenzy, so I'll cut to every other day. Appreciate the help!