Black Algae?

[AjaSage]

I have black algae growing on the tips of my plants. I know that my bristlenoses won't eat it. . .but what exactly is black algae and how do I prevent it and get rid of it? I haven't been able to find much info online, other than regarding swimming pools.

-Aja

[nickmcmechan]

assume you mean black beard algae?

there are two answers

the first one is to solve the cause. its a result of low or inconsistent co2 levels in the tank, so need to solve that first - how do you get carbon to your plants; pressurised or liquid?

the second is removal. this stuff only comes off with manual removal either using a bleach solution dip or physically (not easy)

[Chad Hughes]

Agreed... CO2 levels.

You may have to actually cut the leaf with scissors to remove it. Just clip off the part that it's attched to.

Best wishes!

[AjaSage]

Hmm. That doesn't sound like much fun at all :/ Will give the bleach solution a try on the next cleaning day.

I use Flourish, but other than that I don't do much else for the plants at the moment. . .some of the setups I've looked into were pretty spendy :o

[Chad Hughes]

It's likely tht even after the bleach dip that the area that the algae is attached to will die. Clipping it will remove the algae and the dead spot. Just my experience!

Best wishes!

[AjaSage]

Thanks. . .I picked off some of the algae and clipped some of the leaves during the last cleaning. I don't really mind the look as long as it's not overgrown. I know some fish (siamese cats, black mollys) eat it, but I've noticed my guarami grazing on some of it as well- has anybody else experienced this?

[Wahter]

Thanks. . .I picked off some of the algae and clipped some of the leaves during the last cleaning. I don't really mind the look as long as it's not overgrown. I know some fish (siamese cats, black mollys) eat it, but I've noticed my guarami grazing on some of it as well- has anybody else experienced this?

Yes, some gourami fish will indeed eat it. Flagfish will too, but they don't seem to tolerate the warmer water temps well over a long period of time (at least in my experience). And don't get Siamese cats mixed up with Siamese algae eaters - I don't think the cat would like being submerged underwater and being expected to eat the algae! LOL! :)

Siamese Alge Eater:
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=27535&d=1188797431

Siamese Cat:
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=41904&stc=1&d=1236825389
(picture from http://curiousanimals.net/)

Black Brush Algae:
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12193&d=1140143311

Hope that helps!



Walter

[Chad Hughes]

The SAE will not eat BBA. I've got a couple dozen of them and they do eat algae, just not all kinds.

Best wishes!

[sp33dy25]

i ve had that problem with a tank at work
long hairy black algae that wouldnt go away. even my LFS didnt know waht to do. and i tried everything.
then i dont know why .. i threw in a large water pump that i had laying around
using it as a power head. next morning the black algae was gone ! all of it.

[Wahter]

The SAE will not eat BBA. I've got a couple dozen of them and they do eat algae, just not all kinds.

Best wishes!

Mine have and other people who own this fish say it will too.

http://www.thekrib.com/Fish/Algae-Eaters/
http://www.aquatic-gardeners.org/cyprinid.html

I guess yours are picky.



Walter

[nickmcmechan]

remember that once rid of the algae you must also solve the root cause which is always co2 issues with this one