pixelpefekt
Fish Crazy
It looks quite light in this photo because it's being backlit but it normally looks very dark, almost black. It's growing in amongst my java moss.
Can You Id This For Me?
- Thread starter pixelpefekt
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It looks quite light in this photo because it's being backlit but it normally looks very dark, almost black. It's growing in amongst my java moss.
england
channa aka snakehead
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looks to me like hair algae
http
/www.algone.com/hair_algae.php
http/aquamaniacs.net/forum/cms_view_article.php?aid=138
http
/www.algone.com/hair_algae.phphttp
/aquamaniacs.net/forum/cms_view_article.php?aid=138Dave Spencer
Gort! Klaatu barada nikto.
The algicide link states that nitrates in excess of 10ppm cause algae. This is patently wrong, and several people on this forum with nitrates higher than 10ppm will know this.
The second link blames high phosphates for algae, which is also patently wrong. It recommends reducing phosphates, but adding nitrates to help the plants, when reducing phosphates is already detrimental to the plants. It also suggests adding CO2 to reduce the pH. Apparently, the reduced pH will cause a growth spurt from the plants. This is incorrect, as it is the carbon in CO2 that gives the accelerated growth.
Adding algicides is the same concept as adding herbicides to our crops. Add it to our crops and everyone is up in arms, yet it is OK to add to our tanks? The algae is there when we are doing something wrong, so it is that needs addressing, not masking our inadequacies in maintaining our tanks (this is aimed at absolutely nobody in particular).
To the OP, all I can recommend is:
Looking at light levels, which may be inappropriately high.
Look at CO2 levels, which may be fluctuating, or two low for the growth requirements of your tank.
Look for sources of low level ammonia via substrate disturbance, unhealthy plants, overstocking, inadequate filtration etc.
For now, constant manual removal, followed by large water changes and supplying organic carbon via Flourish Excel will help. Removing as much algae as possible, followed by a large water change, add a dose of Excel, carry out a three day black out, and finish with another large water change will knock the algae sideways.
Dave.
The second link blames high phosphates for algae, which is also patently wrong. It recommends reducing phosphates, but adding nitrates to help the plants, when reducing phosphates is already detrimental to the plants. It also suggests adding CO2 to reduce the pH. Apparently, the reduced pH will cause a growth spurt from the plants. This is incorrect, as it is the carbon in CO2 that gives the accelerated growth.
Adding algicides is the same concept as adding herbicides to our crops. Add it to our crops and everyone is up in arms, yet it is OK to add to our tanks? The algae is there when we are doing something wrong, so it is that needs addressing, not masking our inadequacies in maintaining our tanks (this is aimed at absolutely nobody in particular).
To the OP, all I can recommend is:
Looking at light levels, which may be inappropriately high.
Look at CO2 levels, which may be fluctuating, or two low for the growth requirements of your tank.
Look for sources of low level ammonia via substrate disturbance, unhealthy plants, overstocking, inadequate filtration etc.
For now, constant manual removal, followed by large water changes and supplying organic carbon via Flourish Excel will help. Removing as much algae as possible, followed by a large water change, add a dose of Excel, carry out a three day black out, and finish with another large water change will knock the algae sideways.
Dave.
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