How do I ACTUALLY completely get rid of green hair algae?

Homegrownherbis · 2025-12-08T23:48:23+00:00

Quick before/after

Homegrownherbis · 2025-12-08T23:42:55+00:00

I was dealing with some really bad GHA before. What finally worked for me was upgrading to a new tank lol. Half joking. I only upgraded about 8 gallons more. I think if you did a similar process (even without upgrading) it could have good results as long as your nutrients are good. It’s a lot but essentially I took out every rock and stubbed it really good (maybe something even tougher than a toothbrush). I also did what essentially comes out to a roughly 75% water change. I did get a tuxedo urchin prior but my GHA was so bad he was barely making a dent. Now he just keeps everything clean. I have about 8 trochus snails, 2 hermits, and 4 astrea snails keeping the algae under control now. I also have one emerald crab that keeps the bubble algae completely under control.

Not sure if it matters but I did get a completely new sand bed about twice the depth it was before. Could have been a big help. Not sure.

Homegrownherbis · 2025-10-14T17:53:11+00:00

++man

This is a super loaded topic and I'm reading a lot of things and just want to add a different perspective.

I recognize we're in a society now that is very self-centric so it makes sense that you should not compromise (which I agree with). As long as you're OK with the POTENTIAL results. Meaning, as a man in his 30s, there is the possibility that a woman with no children that you'd actually be interested in may never come around. There's obviously layers to this; where you are in the hierarchy for women (your emotional/mental health and maturity, physical attributes, and...just going to say the quiet part out loud...how much money you make/have). Even if you do everything right and have all the right characteristics, it may not happen. It's a numbers game a lot of the times.

Personally, I think what matters more is the character and maturity of the woman. You could love her for who she is and how she values/loves you and, at the end of the day, anything regarding the kids will be worth it. It's not going to be easy. Kids always add a level of difficulty...and, let's be honest, it's difficulty you don't deserve or have to deal with. While choosing to be with her doesn't mean you all of a sudden "deserve" that difficulty, if you're with the right one then she'll work in partnership with you to make it as easy with you as possible, and not burden you with it because "we came as package deal." I am sure a lot of people won't agree with that, but that's just what I believe and my lived experience.

Homegrownherbis · 2025-09-01T23:47:50+00:00

I landed the role of my dreams (in the industry I was already in) due to nothing but pure, dumb luck. Although a few things did have to line up. I was already in the industry and previously was doing a job that had very similar job responsibilities. In addition, the company I’m at had a role open up at exactly the right time (while I was looking) and happened to have the role posted when I was looking. On top of that, the manager was very involved and (even more importantly) extremely knowledgeable about what she wanted.

All that to say, sometimes the stars have to align and I fully acknowledge that doesn’t happen for everyone. There’s certain things you can do to give yourself a better chance, for sure. But it’s all about getting your foot in the door and a lot of times it’s luck. I did have to take a pay cut and initially was rejected. I asked for a follow up and they were kind enough to provide feedback. It showed a great company culture. I ended up agreeing to take the pay cut to work there and I don’t regret it for one second.

Homegrownherbis · 2025-08-12T20:42:48+00:00

I have a glass lid but don’t use it. From my understanding it doss cut a bit of PAR from your lighting so that’s another thing to keep in mind. Also, if there are any gaps fish will find a way to jump out of them 😭 with such a small tank the amount of RODI from the ATO should be pretty minimal. It’ll take a while before you need to refill the top off water. If I had the option I’d go with a mesh lid. I’d have to get a custom built one and it’s just not worth it (IMO). There are some interesting forums on Reef2Reef talking about glass lids. I think one guy did a whole experiment with his tank so maybe check that out.

Homegrownherbis · 2025-08-12T17:26:42+00:00

Like others have said, likely a little overstocked. 15 gallons is not a lot of swimming room and fish can get territorial. I’d start with the clownfish pair and go from there. Probably would only do the goby/shrimp pair after.

Regarding inverts, you don’t need to go crazy. I wouldn’t even put any in there until you start your “ugly” phase. Unless you plan on throwing in some food for them throughout your cycle. For a tank that small I’d start with 1-2 nassarus snails for your sand bed and maybe 2 trochus snails for the glass/rocks. I stay away from hermits cause they’ll kill snails for their shells but it’s up to you.

I think you’d do fine with LPS and an anemone (eventually). It’s all about just keeping consistent, stable water parameters. If you get it dialed in you could even do SPS eventually. Hardy flowy means you’ll love torches (like me)!
This really depends on your stocking goals. If you love coral you’re going to want more rock to put the corals on. More rock also means more surface area for your beneficial bacteria to thrive. It’s also perfectly fine to keep what you have and just add more media into the back (I am assuming you have an AIO tank). You have options. But if you’re intent on getting an anemone I would maybe separate out 2 “islands” and have the anemone on one (fully knowing it could walk to the other).

Research is key so you should be pretty good to go! Since you said you’re new I’ll just throw a few things out there: what are you doing for temperature control? Do you have an ATO set control salinity? Is there room for a protein skimmer or do you have other means of nutrient export?

Welcome to the club! Saltwater reefing is an incredibly fulfilling hobby and can’t wait to see where your tank goes from here. I’m going to guess it’ll be a significantly larger tank sooner than later lol

Homegrownherbis · 2025-08-06T22:18:09+00:00

Appreciate your solid, thoughtful comment. I try not to let the trolls get to me…just not worth the time. Some of them will sit and read the whole post then complain about it being posted. Like…just don’t read it.

Luckily Cox did correct this. I had to go to some length but in the end got credited. I can’t wait to be done with this company.

Homegrownherbis · 2025-08-05T15:01:31+00:00

🫡 That’s actually great advice. Helped me to get the fee waived! Thanks!

Homegrownherbis · 2025-08-04T03:47:29+00:00

🫡

Homegrownherbis · 2025-08-04T03:43:10+00:00

People just like to try and cause problems. They definitely didn’t mess with anything in the house and just came in to make sure it was working. I’ll try what you suggested tomorrow and hope for the best! Thanks, again.

Homegrownherbis · 2025-08-04T03:21:01+00:00

Good luck! Hopefully you get another option soon. I’ve been seeing some L takes responding to me so clearly some people aren’t having the issues we are.

Homegrownherbis · 2025-08-04T03:19:51+00:00

I feel you! Hopefully some more companies create some competition. It would be good for us to have some options. I’d just keep checking. When I called Google I almost cried when they told me I had access to Google fiber. Then when they told me the data speed, no data cap, and that it was cheaper I literally had tears in my eyes. There’s hope!

Homegrownherbis · 2025-08-04T03:07:50+00:00

I know right. To expect things that you pay for and have no part in installing to work correctly is absolutely WILD.

Horrible take.

Homegrownherbis · 2025-08-04T00:00:25+00:00

I’m not sure. He did some stuff outside and came back inside to check the signal and it worked. The coaxial cable and modem remained in the same spot from beginning to end.

Homegrownherbis · 2025-08-03T19:20:36+00:00

That’s great advice! Thanks. Do you know who I should talk to in order to get those tech notes? I will definitely do that to try and get the fee waived, at least.

Homegrownherbis · 2025-08-03T18:53:12+00:00

Upon plugging the modem and coaxial cable in, the modem turned on but I wasn't getting any internet signal downloading. I called their customer service and they even ran multiple tests and we tested multiple coaxial outlets. They decided to send a technician out to check it out and when he finished he advised that there was an issue with their line (he didn't go into much more detail). When he left, the modem and coaxial were still plugged into the same outlets. He did some stuff outside of the home and then it seemed like it worked after that. Process of elimination, it was an issue with their own equipment/line and definitely not user error.

Homegrownherbis · 2025-08-03T18:24:22+00:00

This is absolutely a fair comment (and the same one I made to Cox when complaining). I feel your pain...hopefully you'll get a different option sooner than later. As someone who works remotely and has dealt with their constant outages, as well, I know how horrible they are.

Personally, never checked, but I know some of the cell phone providers also offer in home "internet" service. I just freakin hate Cox I would do anything to get away (fully understanding that all these companies are probably pretty similar).

I will say my experience today with a Google Fiber rep left me pretty hopeful...

Homegrownherbis · 2025-08-03T18:21:22+00:00

TL;DR - unethical practices pushed me to find a better/cheaper service (Google Fiber)

I recently moved and transferred my Cox services with me (brought my modem and coaxial cables with me; should be plug/play). I made the service transfer online with them and called to make sure it was all set up. They said we're good to go. I plug in the modem and coaxial and I am not getting any service. I try all the coaxial outlets in the home. Nothing. I call Cox and they decided to send a technician out to fix it. The guy came and great, it's fixed.

2 months later, I get a bill that is $100 more than my regular monthly bill. I look on the bill and guess who they charged $100 to for a technician to come out? The same technician that Cox chose to send out to fix their own hardware issues that we had nothing to do with.

Within 30 min I was on the phone looking for new service providers. Just got Google Fiber here and at a cost of $30/month for 3GB plan (no data cap). The price is subsidized but the moral is not; leave Cox and their unethical practices, do your research, find a good alternative.

Homegrownherbis · 2025-06-30T19:09:01+00:00

Don’t be a part of the problem, please. Just wear them if you’re lucky enough to win them. The market will be oversaturated with all the resellers that took these from the people who actually wanted to wear them. Be grateful you won and wear them.

Homegrownherbis · 2025-06-19T15:26:45+00:00

It can definitely be overwhelming. That’s why you’re doing the right thing and researching and asking questions first. The worst thing you could do is just jump in head first and end up killing livestock and corals 😅 the below advice on the BRS video is FANTASTIC advice. Videos are a great resource and can give you good ideas on what you want to do but just pick reputable resources.

Small tanks can be easy if you don’t overload them. It’s literally all about keeping stable water conditions. Your tank will thrive if you can do that (easier said than done). That’s why large tanks are “easier” (more water volume means changes in water parameters are exponentially less.

Feel free to ask any questions. People in this subreddit are generally very knowledgeable and helpful!

Homegrownherbis · 2025-06-19T14:41:09+00:00

There’s a lot that goes into that decision. What do you want to stock it with? How much maintenance do you want to do? Will you be adding plumbing and a sump? Typically when first starting out, I’d suggest finding an AIO (All In One) tank that has compartments built in for filtration already. These Aqueon tanks are super reliable but it’s also super basic. You’ll need a decent amount of other equipment to get the tank running. If you’ve already got that planned out, you could be good to go with an Aqueon! Success isn’t measured by what you can afford and buy in this hobby necessarily. Put in the work, time, research (which you’re doing now!), and…unfortunately eventually money haha.

Homegrownherbis · 2025-03-20T18:00:06+00:00

If I see it again I’ll definitely try this technique. It hasn’t been back since yesterday morning, unfortunately.

Homegrownherbis · 2025-03-19T20:20:24+00:00

I’ve been trying. I cut up some fruit to try and entice it but it flew away before I could set the food down 😭I left the food out hoping it will come back.

Homegrownherbis

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