Bad News For My Planted Tank

[wolfwolf]

I'm 95% certain that I have a crypt with approximately 1/3 of its leaves with some degree of beard algae. I've read that I can put the plant in a 10% bleach solution for 2-3 minutes.

Do I have to do that to every plant or only the one that seems to be affected?
Why is only one plant affected?

The algae does seem to be spreading but very slowly. It really appeared to sprout when I added a half dose of Flourish. I do not think I will do that again until this problem is solved.

Will API Algaefix work?

I have a 20 gallon tank with 4 vallis, 2 crypts, 3 anubia, and a lace java fern. I dose a half dose of Excel every other day and a half dose of flourish once a week. (half of the recommended dose on the bottle). I have 15 watts of light. The plants are all doing very well.

Any suggestions?

 

[Themuleous]

Overdosing excel should kill it, but that will probably also affect the vals.

bleach will probably kill the plants before it kills the algae.

Sam

 

[wolfwolf]

Bump....

And new info. I cut 6-7 leaves off of my crypt. They were pretty badly infested with algae. Before bed I noticed my java lace fern and coffeiola also are showing signs now.... Any help?

One more question. This algae appears to be black. Even when it is bunched up it is black. I've read that it should be green or grey.

 

[Themuleous]

It varies in colour, 'black algae' is a generic term that actually covers a few types that all look pretty much the same.

Sam

 

[ShoC]

bleach is at a solution of 4part water 1 part bleach (dont quote me tho find a more reliable source)
soak its Leave NOT THE ROOTS for 2-3 mins
you WILL have damage but it should recover as long as the roots dont get touched.


you mention black algae which is Black beard alage it can be Redish also so I read.

 

[Iron Man]

are you sure bleaching the plants is a permanent solution? if not I wouldn't do it. I tried bleaching mine in weak solution and it all but killed my amazon sword.

 

[wolfwolf]

So my best option is a bleach solution that will likely kill my plant but may not solve the algae problem..... Gee that is good news.

Anyway my crypt looks fine now but my lace java fern is looking worse. Maybe I will just remove the whole plant and hope that solves the problem. Is there any reason that the plants that have the problem are both directly in line with my HOB filter and are constantly hit with the water current?

 

[Robotochan]

Could always try a total blackout for 3 days?