Staghorn Algae

[mcscotty521]

this is my first time dealing with staghorn algae. I've tried lowering light level manual removal but i still cant get rid of it. There is so much and it keeps coming back. I've even (even though i know i shouldnt have) have used an algaecide, that helped a little but the stuff keeps coming back. Does anybody have any good staghorn removal strategies, such as fish, shrimp...etc.

 

[JamesC]

Need some more info on your setup to help. Are you injecting CO2? Staghorn is often associated with overfeeding fish, dirty filters and substrate and low CO2.

James

 

[mcscotty521]

its just a 10 gallon with some guppies, danios and kuhli loaches. I clean it regularly and dont add any CO2. My other live plants are all growing relatively well. This is the first time ive even ever seen staghorn algae, also my other tank is not infected with it. Ever since i manually removed most of it, it seems to be growing back a lot slower, but i would like to try to get rid of it completely or at least be able to manage it better cause besides blue green algae, this stuff is probably the ugliest algae i've ever had to deal with, it's trying to completely take over the substrate and grows ridiculously fast.

 

[Themuleous]

I was plagued with staghorn for months, third overdosing excel but that didnt work in my tank although some people swear by it, I have heard the American flag fish will eat it, but can be difficult to get hold of.

High CO2 and rampant plant growth is the best solution.

Sam

 

[JamesC]

The one time I got it a bit is when I brought some new fish and I was slightly overfeeding. Somebody I know was plagued with it - turned out he was overfeeding as well. Cleared up when feeding was cut back. If it is growing on your substrate it might be an idea to give your substrate a good clean.

James