Dave Millman wrote in message ...
"Dave M. Picklyk" wrote:

I really need to get rid of some hair algae growing on the driftwood and
plants. Right now I'm controlling it by removing infected leaves, scrubbing
driftwood etc. I have a 15 gallon aquarium, do weekly 25 percent water
changes, 0 phospates, 0 nitrates, adding only iron and trace elements to the
water, only a couple measely plants--I've just added C02 a few days ago and
I will be adding tons more plants.

Tons more plants is good.

I notice that you are dosing Iron. I was able to eliminate hair algae by
reducing overdosing of Iron.

The flag fish that folks have recommended seem to really like hair algae, as do
Amano Shrimp. But these are band aids which do not address the core nutrient
problem.

It's true that these don't address the core nutrient problem. But
it's good way to "start over" without tearing everything down. A
couple of flag fish will quickly get rid of all the algae, then being
careful with the water will keep it from coming back. It's not a good
idea for someone who doesn't know what they are going to do with the
fish after. For me, I was going to add more stock to my tank anyways,
and the algae eating behaviour of a fish is as good a reason as any to
choose it over another fish.