Algae Question

[fairghum]

I have recently discovered some interesting growth in my 46 gal. tank and need help identifying it and deciding what to do about it. I have plastic plants in the tank (please, no comments), and some of them along with the lava rocks I have in the tank are getting some fuzzy growth on them. Best way I can describe it is to say they look like individual "flowerets" and are a dark blue/green. This tank is located in a room where there is a lot of light; however, the tank has been up for over 5 years and I've never seen this before.

Comments and suggestions? Thanks!

 

[ian]

can you get any pics up?

 

[fairghum]

I found out that this is "black brush algae". Ways to treat it seem to be all over the board from 1) getting a Siamese algae eater (which I do plan to do), 2)bleaching everything with the crap on it, 3) do nothing and enjoy the "decorative" algae, 4) blasting it with a product called "Excell". Since I have a gorgeous clown loach, I refuse to do anything re putting chemicals in the water. I have plastic plants, and I've taken some out and bleached them (ending up with interesting colors), and will take the lava rocks out today and bleach them. Other than that, I'm open to any suggestions anyone has.

 

[StandbySetting]

Adding an SAE is not a good solution, nor is killing it with a chemical product, the root problem needs to be targeted, and with BBA, that is generally a combination of poor water flow which helps ammonia form 'pockets' and too much light.

 

[fairghum]

What's curious to me is that this tank has been running in the same location for about 5 years with no problem. There are two external filters, and an airstone to provide water movement. I will pay more attention to how long I leave their light on.

A Siamese Algae Eater can't hurt though, right?

 

[minnnt]

SAE's and CAE's can be little blighters mate. They can be very vicious when older and if you have anything in there like a shark etc then it will be in for a rough time as they soon become the boss. My CAE didn't think twice to taking on some of my bigger cichlids, and to be honest, i had to remove him as he was winning! Although they may help in the upkeep of the tank, i wouldn't introduce one just for the sake of ridding the tank of algae.

I would agree with the above comments regarding water movement (specifically surface rippling which will help introduce new fresh oxygen to your tank) and keeping an eye on the length of time the tank lights are on. The chemicals do work, but at what cost to your fish?!

 

[fairghum]

I hear there's a big difference between a SAE and a CAE. CAE's are the nasty ones. SAE's are supposed to be peaceful.

Just won't use chemicals!

Thanks!