Hair Algae
  • Read moreRead more

    🧽 Best Cleanup Crew for Hair Algae:

    Trochus & Turbo Snails – heavy-duty grazers

    Emerald Crabs – tug strands from rock

    Tuxedo Urchins – consume stubborn patches

    Mexican Turbo Snails (for large tanks)

Hair Algae

Derbesia spp., Cladophora spp.

Deep Dive

Species dataSpecies data

🌿 Hair Algae (Filamentous Green Algae)
Scientific Name: Derbesia spp., Cladophora spp.
Common Name: Hair Algae, Green Hair Algae
Appearance: Stringy, green tufts on rock, powerheads, and overflow boxes
Reef Safe: ❌ Unwanted pest
Temperament: Aggressive and fast-growing
Diet: Photosynthetic – feeds on excess light and nutrients
Tank Role: Unwanted algae that outcompetes coral for light and flow

DescriptionDescription

🔍 Description:
Hair algae are one of the most common and frustrating algae in reef tanks. These fine, filamentous green strands grow in high-nutrient environments and quickly cover rock, frags, and equipment. If left unchecked, they block flow, reduce oxygen at night, and choke coral colonies.

Why it AppearsWhy it Appears

✅ Why They Appear:

Excess Nutrients: High phosphate and nitrate

Overfeeding & Dirty Filters: Fuel algae blooms

Low Grazer Density: Inadequate cleanup crew

Weak Flow: Dead spots allow buildup

Best PredatorBest Predator

🧽 Best Cleanup Crew for Hair Algae:

Trochus & Turbo Snails – heavy-duty grazers

Emerald Crabs – tug strands from rock

Tuxedo Urchins – consume stubborn patches

Mexican Turbo Snails (for large tanks)

NotesNotes

⚠️ Notes for Success:

Manual Removal Helps: Use toothbrush or tweezers

Control Lighting: Reduce photoperiod during outbreaks

Check RO/DI Water: Poor source water feeds algae

Run GFO or Carbon: Helps reduce nutrients

Pro tipPro tip

🧠 Pro Tip:
Hair algae is a symptom of imbalance. Attack it with nutrient export, flow, and a solid CUC all working together.

Hair Algae

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