George,

Here is what I have the most success with after fighting a few battles with hair algae. Cerith and Nerite snails and dwarf Mexican hermits. I know you can get the snails locally. I'm not sure if anyone carries the dwarf hermits. The snails have the advantage of being able to reproduce in your tanks, especially if you have a refugium. I have never seen Turbo's reproduce in a closed system. Turbo's also have a tendency to prefer to stay on the glass instead of working out on the rocks.

Your algae outbreak is probably the result of phosphates that you are unlikely to detect with a test kit. As little as .03 ppm phosphate can cause an algae outbreak. Basically, the algae uses it as fast as it is produced. You might try a phosphate pad. I'm sure someone can recommend one. Carbon would also be good, but make sure to change it every couple of days.

Here is a good article that JimD sent me about phosphate and algae outbreaks.

http://www.netpets.com/fish/referenc...gaeoutbrk.html


Gary