FishProfiles.com Message Forums

I have algae in my tank. Not a big deal -- it's very slow growing. But it is growing, and spreading. If I knew exactly what it was, I'd take precautions. So, the question is, what is it?

It consists of many small clumps of black fuzzy hair. I've looked for information on black hair algae, thread algae and variations, but I'm not sure if any of these are quite right.

I've posted a photo at http://www.geocities.com/lieuallen/Algae.jpg

Thanks!

I'm pretty sure that's black beard algae. High phosphates tend to lead to that type of algae, I believe.

Is this a planted tank, wizard?

---

Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Yup Wizard,

I am with Matty, looks like BBA to me as well.

How about it you tell us more about the tank, like light, size, parameters, fish, plants, fertilizer (if any), CO2 (if any)? You know, the whole nine yards

Ingo

---

Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Yep that's some real healthy BBA you got there !

Phosphates don't play a role in it IME. It's Co2 thing.

If you are not injecting Co2 , Excel will keep it at bay.

If it's only on rocks equipment etc you can take them out and bleach them. It'll kill the algae straight away. Just make sure to rinse them well.

After you got rid of it the Excel dosing / injecting Co2 to 30ppm will keep it away.

---

Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

Hi,
This article might help you with your problem:

http://www.otocinclus.com/articles/algae.html

It shows pictures of the various types of algae commonly
found in aquariums and descibes the causes and "cures" for
each.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Thank you all very much! According to you, and the link provided, I have black beard algae. Maybe I should get a little plastic pirate ship for the tank!

At any rate, it's a 55 gallon tank that I've had set up for almost 2 years now. It is very lightly planted, because I only have 40 watts of fluorescent lighting. I had a nice assortment of plants, but most have died. The java fern is hanging in nicely, and the Egeria is still with us (but not very enthusiastic). A few strands of java moss are also in there.

I'll look in to getting some Siamese algae eaters, but I know they're easily confused with other related fish (both by me and the LFS).

Again, thanks for the help!