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anyone has a solution to remove this nuisance aside from removing infected leaves?? thx

Black spot algae is actually in the red algae family, such as red bearded algae. As such there is only one species of fish which will eat it, and that is the siamese algae eater. If you are fortunate enough to find a true sae they will handle it for you. SAE are hard to come by tho, which leaves the option of removing the affected areas at the first sign of growth, or in the severly affected plants of dipping in dilute bleach with a rinse in dechlorinator.

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This is where the infomtion came from.

RED ALGAE

Beard algae: Beard algae forms long (up to 6"-15 cm), black to dark green, branches that are introduced with new aquarium plants and are prominent with high nitrate levels and/or carbon dioxide deficiency. Beard algae firmly attaches to plant leaves, so manual removal is damaging to the plant. Algae-eating fish can eliminate beard algae as can carbon dioxide fertilization.

Black spot algae: Black spot algae form small, black spots on plant leaves. The cause of black algae is unclear, but excess nutrients (nitrate) and light help its spread. Control is very difficult, the best means to take is to remove affected leaves.

Black brush algae: Black brush algae forms dark, muddy-green bunches that adhere leaves, rocks, gravel, and wood. This red algae causes leaves to die off and thrives in acidic water with a high nutrient load. Short forms can be removed by algae-eating fish, but long forms are best combated by carbon dioxide fertilization.

Keith

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