Black Algae (Black Beard Algae) Problems!

[Loui354]

Hi

I have a really bad black algae problem that I am struggling to control.

Water parameters: pH 7, nitrite 0, ammonia 0, nitrate 40
Water changes: fortnightly (approx 50%)
Plants: artificial
Fish: happy and healthy

I have recently taken all the plants out of the tank and cleaned them thoroughly but the algae returned within days.

I have read it can be due to CO2 levels but I am unsure as to how to control these. I have also read about bleach methods but don't know how safe this is.

Can anyone help?

Thanks

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Yes, I've read the same things about black beard algae. I had some. I increased my circulation and it was gone within days without a trace. Not everyone is that lucky. First, I didn't have much in the way of it. It was just starting, and I had intended to add another filter all along. It happened to show up just as the BBA did.

You could just increase the circulation of the tank by adding a powerhead, or looking to divert the output of your filter differently. Another way to combat algae is fast growing real plants. A little anacharis (cheap and ridiculously easy to deal with) will help take up some of the CO2 and excess nutrients that algae thrives on.