Anyone Had Experience Of Black Bush Algae?

[TheRedDarren]

Hi guys,
I have recently identified my algae as this stuff.
Thought it was just ya normal hair algae but after trying the hair algae remedies with no success I researched further and came across a site last night that had pictures etc and I am fairly sure this is what I have a problem with (BBA).
The site suggested that high c02 levels can erradicate this strain of algae, so have turned up my c02 output to 1 bubble every 2 seconds (have had trouble measuring my c02 levels as I have recently had peat in my filter too, which I have now removed to get a reading on my c02). Also have stopped fertilizing and reduced feeding to try and help but no avail.
Will resume normal feeding and fertilizing to regain my previous high growth rate and hope for the best.
The only thing that bothers me now is after extensive reading, have found that the slightest ammonia spikes caused by a heavily stocked tank, like mine, can encourage an algae bloom... would like your thoughts on this please, and any other input would be greatfully recieved as this algae is really starting to do my head in!!!
Thanks, D.

 

[JamesC]

BBA is often fairly common in high light setups due to low CO2 levels. Increasing your CO2 levels won't eradicate it but will prevent it from growing. You'll need to remove as much of it as you can and then increase you CO2. To give you an idea I'm running about 3 bubbles per second into my 210 litre tank. I'd suggest that 1 bubble every 2 seconds is not enough and you'll need to increase it to at least 1 bubble per second, maybe two. Increase it slowly and keep a good watch on the fish to make sure they are not becoming stressed.

Use the 1 pH drop method to get a good idea of your CO2 levels. This is done by taking some tank water and letting it stand for 24 hours. Meassure the pH of this water and the water in your tank. If the water in your tank is one pH value lower then your CO2 is about 30 ppm.

The more fish you have in your tank the more difficult it becomes to keep algae at bay as you have rightly discovered. Just make sure you filtration is top notch and you keep the tank clean. Ammonia is a real algae trigger so you have to try your best to keep it at zero.

Overdosing flourish excel can also be used to get rid of BBA, but it will return unless you get your CO2 sorted.

HTH
James