Black Hair Algae

[nurglespuss]

Hi all,

the usual trouble free work tank (24" tank, single flourescent, LOADS of full grown java fern) internal stingray filter.

Stock MTS, Zebra danios, glow lights, neons, pearl gourami.

Over the Easter break over enthusiastic helpers seem to have overfed the little darlings, and despite water change/clean/filter clean etc. when I returned (I'm the tank man), there is a serious case of (very attractive) but no doubt harmfull black hair algae growin on the leaves of the java fern.

I picked up a couple of ghost shrimp (I've always wanted them, and some babies were for sale in LFS) in the hope they might munch it, but, I haven't spotted them since they went in, so they may have (unfortunately) been munched themselves.

Whats best to get rid? The tank is too warm for ottos (upper tropical region 28'C), possibly a bristlenose? The gourami is quite territorial (hence the ammount of plants)... would a nerite do? (although again, it may be too warm...

 

[Plecostomos Fan]

If it is indeed BBA there is only one type of fish that i know of that will eat it, and thats the true Siamese Algae Eater not to be confused with the gold striped Flying Fox.
I have what I think is BBA on my Jarva Ferns see pic, I have tried dosing with Co2 which seemed to clear it but now I've noticed it re-growing or something similar grrrrrrrr.
I am thinking of buying a few SAE to see if they will munch on it, they are also great fish from what I have seen at my local M/A.

 

[nurglespuss]

Hi there! thanks

Will pick one up in the week

 

[Verminator89]

Another option which is available to you, which won't impact on your stocking levels is Seachen Flourish Excel. During water change when the infected leaves are exposed you can dose this liquid CO2 directly onto the affected areas, over time this kills it.

My scape in the planted journals section went through a bad phase of BBA, which came about via fluctuating CO2 levels given off by my FE. I've since swapped to Flourish Excel and, well, you've seen my tank in my thread Works a treat.

It can be harmfull to overdose to shrimps especially, although i have yet to suffer losses to my shrimp from rather generous dosages of this product. I roughly measure 15ml and dose when the water is at its lowest during water change, thus treating the affected areas of BBA. Sections that are still submerged are killed off, but slower than those that get direct treatment out of the water.

This may cost a little more than getting a fish to eat it, but with a fish your NEVER guaranteed to get success. My Flying Foxes never touched the stuff, the only fish i had that ate it were my Leer Tailed Black Mollys.

Hope this helps,
James

 

[nurglespuss]

Hi James!

Thanks for the great advice!!

I shall purchase such stuff (and charge work for it! ;P) and give it a go!!

Thanks again!

 

[Plecostomos Fan]

Thanks James I will also be trying some Flourish Excel