Plants - Black Algae?

[sussexgirl]

Since setting up my tank in April I have gradually been adding real plants and have now completely removed all my artificial ones. The real plants look beautiful and add a vibrancy to the tank that was lacking before. I've now got around 8 plants, all different varieties.

My only peeve is that over time they have gradually become covered with a black algae/discolouration. I've tried taking them out, rinsing them and stroking it off underwater with my thumb but it's like the leaves are permenantly discoloured, it's not like an algae that you can just rub away. I recently gave them a dunk in salt water during a tank clean to remove snails (which I've been overun with lately). Do you think this would have done them any harm? I add fertiliser and although my tank does develop green and brown algae I'm not completely overun with it. I just want to know how you can run a planted aquarium and maintain that wow factor. My LFS told me that alot of plants need replacing every six weeks as they have a short life and if this is the case can anyone recommend a long life plant that looks great? Thanks.

 

[smurfyy_2k3]

just turn the lights out for 3-4 days and that should clear the algea away

 

[sussexgirl]

just turn the lights out for 3-4 days and that should clear the algea away

At this time of year though the fish will be in near darkness 24/7, especially where the tank is. Won't that do live plants more harm than good?

Anyone else any idea what's causing the discolouration?

 

[Neal]

I'd recommend getting more plants, to out compete the algae. What the LFS told you is bullpoo, they just want you to keep buying plants. It could be a lack of nutrients, as i'm not entirely sure what your saying. Anyhoo, if it is algae that you can't get rid off. Put a blanket over your tank for 3 days, but no peeking. This will kill off the algae, but your plants will survive, they will just need a little bit of TLC afterwards.

Neal

 

[RadaR]

With enough light, nutrients and CO2 plants will bounce back quite easily. Whether that be from algae or being eaten by a fish.

What are the specs of the tank? Size? Lighting? Co2? ferts?
Knowing this we will be able to help alot more.

 

[Fwapp]

The LFS stating that the plants need replacing every few weeks could also indicate that they are supplying non-true aquatic plants that will die off after several weeks.

Next time you go to buy some plants, get the names and do a look up on the internet, or ask here.

We're here to help (and learn)

 

[sussexgirl]

With enough light, nutrients and CO2 plants will bounce back quite easily. Whether that be from algae or being eaten by a fish.

What are the specs of the tank? Size? Lighting? Co2? ferts?
Knowing this we will be able to help alot more.

My tank is the Aqua One 620T. Specs are:
Aquarium Model: AquaStyle 620T
Dimensions Tank: 62W x 38D x 72H cm
Capacity: 130 L
Lighting: 2x18w PL
Filtration: Wet and Dry Trickle
I have no additional air being added into the aquarium. However, I am also running the very small filter out of my nursery tank in there alongside the 620s filter. I have placed it slightly higher above my water line and it puts quite a good amount air bubbles into the tank.

Every week I add Nutrafin 'Plant Gro' when I do my tank maintenance. You can see my signature what inhabits my tank. My shrimp do a fantastic job with cleaning up the brown hair like algae that my tank has suffered with for a few months. It's just this permenant discolouration to my plants that I have issue with because as I said before it's like the plants are stained.

My LFS did tell me that not all plants sent to them are fully aquatic but I was reassured that these were. I'm quite happy to cover up the tank for the next few days if it will make the plants look nice again but at the moment they're all looking very tired and past it. They've been in the tank for approx 3 months. I've currently been putting the lights on from 7.15am-10am and then on again at 4pm and off at 10.30pm.

Another poster queried what exactly I was saying in my original post. I suppose what I'm asking is:

1) Are my plants fully aquatic or have I been sold non-aquatic plants and should just give up on them and replace?

2) Does anyone know what could be causing this algae? What type of algae it is? It's only affecting the plants pictured. I have 2 just plants in the tank that are stain free. (if not a little eaten! )

3) Should I be doing anything that I'm not to eradicate this algae from appearing?

4) Can anyone recommend me a really good longevity plant that I can look for when I go shopping?

Here's 2 pictures below to clarify what it looks like. Thanks

 

[George Farmer]

Hi sussexgirl,

Your algae is caused by poor plant growth.

Changing your photoperiods will have little effect on algae. You need to remedy the cause of the algae (which is not length of lighting).

The first photo is Dracanea sp. and is non-aquatic. It is dying as we speak and dying plants are an algae magnet.

Your filtration will be driving CO2 from the water, CO2 is a valuable nutrient.

Consider adding some reflectors to your tubes. You have quite low light but should have success with easy species. See below.

Plant more heavily with fast, easy growers, get rid of your non-aquatic plants and suggest to your retailer that they label the species accordingly. Whether or not they deliberately mislead you, they need to know.

Look out for Hygrophila polysperma, Egeria densa and Vallisneria spiralis. These are common in LFS and are ideal for your situation.

Consider some filtration that does not drive off CO2. An external would be suitable for your fish load and tank size. Keep the outlet underneath the water to avoid excess surface agitation.

Don't add any more liquid ferts until you see better growth, it will likely be increasing your algae problems.

 

[sussexgirl]

Hi sussexgirl,

Your algae is caused by poor plant growth.

Changing your photoperiods will have little effect on algae. You need to remedy the cause of the algae (which is not length of lighting).

The first photo is Dracanea sp. and is non-aquatic. It is dying as we speak and dying plants are an algae magnet.

Your filtration will be driving CO2 from the water, CO2 is a valuable nutrient.

Consider adding some reflectors to your tubes. You have quite low light but should have success with easy species. See below.

Plant more heavily with fast, easy growers, get rid of your non-aquatic plants and suggest to your retailer that they label the species accordingly. Whether or not they deliberately mislead you, they need to know.

Look out for Hygrophila polysperma, Egeria densa and Vallisneria spiralis. These are common in LFS and are ideal for your situation.

Consider some filtration that does not drive off CO2. An external would be suitable for your fish load and tank size. Keep the outlet underneath the water to avoid excess surface agitation.

Don't add any more liquid ferts until you see better growth, it will likely be increasing your algae problems.

Many thanks for the advice, I appreciate it.