Dark Algae On Plants...

[Hollymolly4]

I have what appears to be a very dark algae on my plants. When new growth comes out, it's nice and green for a few days, then it starts to grow on the new leaves. I clean my tank and don't overfeed. I cut out all the bad leaves and I recently tried an algae gone med (by tetra I believe) and it didn't change anything. Any thoughts?

 

[Colin_T]

does the algae wipe off the plants and float around in pieces or sheets? If so it is blue green algae (cyanobacteria). It is unpleasant stuff to say the least but increase water changes and reduce the amount of food going into the tank. Try adding some shrimp to the tank to pick up excess food and they will also clean up other true algae growing in the tank. Poor light with the incorrect colour spectrum can encourage this stuff to grow.
If the algae is just normal algae, (not cyanobacteria) then add a couple of small algae eating fish or some shrimp.

 

[Hollymolly4]

The algae doesn't wipe off easy. What type of algae eaters can I put in with Tiger Barbs?

 

[Colin_T]

Bristlenose catfish, flying foxes, any small species of plecostomus or sucker mouth catfish like the bristlenose, peckoltias. Shrimp will pick off algae. Whiptail catfish. Rainbow and redtail black sharks. You can try mystery or apple snails.
depends on what is available. Even the common chinese algae eater but they get big and nasty when older and you need to rehome it.

 

[Hollymolly4]

Would Tiger Barbs bother otto's? I liked the bristlenose catfish, but would it be too much in a 28 gallon with 8 TB's and 2 yoyo loaches?

By the way, thanks for the help!

 

[Colin_T]

A bristlenose would be fine in that size tank.
The tiger barbs should not bother the otocinclus.