hair algea?

[lava]

Hey guys! I think im getting attacked by the hair algae!!! Heres my tank set up

55 gal that sits in the living room far away from windows. Sun does get really close to the tank but RARELY since I live in WA and there arnt many sunny days . The tank does not have any fish just some christmas moss that I recently put in. My lighting is very weak. not even above 1 watt per gallon, I used to keep my lighting on for about 8 hours a day. Now I do about 10-12 , I also did it 2 days for 13 hours witch was on accident , so yea I pulled a little strand of the hair algae out to take a look at it, to make sure it wasnt (my hair LOL) and it was hair algae indeed! I have about 5 strands so far? and I think there multiplying! is their any ways to stop them?> my tank is also in the middle of cycling, so I have not been changing the water, just adding a few gallons now and then because of evaporation and thats about it. Any recommendations would be great! please help before it gets out of control! :(

[Cameron]

check out this article, its absolutely great. Algae Primer ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.])

[Alfcea]

You could use Seachem Flourish Excel (a bit of an overdose won't be dangerous) and that will take care of your algae problems...

[lava]

Hey guys thanks for the help and the artical.

I read in the artical ,about removing some of the algae's by doing water changes to reduce nitrate. But what about my situation? am I allowed to do water changes during the cycling? My nitrites are really high above 5 and I am sure my nitrates are through the roof and that is probably why I am getting the hair algae. So what do I do? am I okay if I do a partial water change? will it effect my cycling? if its okay what is the % of water change do you recommand? and is there anything eles I can do? thanks!

You could use Seachem Flourish Excel (a bit of an overdose won't be dangerous) and that will take care of your algae problems... Is this stuff expansive? will it effect my cycling or my moss? thanks!

[Alfcea]

Is this stuff expansive? will it effect my cycling or my moss? thanks!

Well... I think I pay like $20.00 CND per 200 mL bottle and that lasts for a few months (though I have to admit that I underdose). It won't damage your cycle at all and your Java moss will appreciate it a lot. It is actually sold as a fertilizer (source of bio-available carbon) and I cna tell you that my own Java moss -along with all the other plants- are very grateful for it!

[lava]

DANG thats some expansive stuff you got there >_>" But I guess I will go your route if I dont find any other solutions. Thanks once again!