What Is This?

[RyanV]

I planted a roseafolia (alternanthera reineckii) in my tank about a month ago. The tank is dirted with a sand substrate. I just started noticing this green stuff growing on the leaves (only place it is in the tank, and it appears to only be on the top of the plant), i'm assuming it's algae? Should I be concerned about it?

 

[metalmayhem4]

I have plants and get some algae on it but never heaped like that is. I wudnt worry too much as algae is very rarely dangerous

 

[RyanV]

Yeah I was just concerned about it possibly spreading?

 

[RyanV]

Bump

 

[thereverendturtle]

Cyanobacteria, siphon it out off the plant. Something is off if its developing in your tank. Increasing water flow can help rid your tank of it.

 

[RyanV]

Uhh I was afraid it might be that! I don't know why I keep having issues with this tank, i'm still trying to get it cycled. I will try to get it out as best as I can, but I don't want it to come back. I have never had it before, why am I getting it? I can try to increase water flow, but I have a hang on filter that does a pretty good job and the tank isn't even covered. I also have been doing water changes about every 2-3 days getting rid of tannins that are still coming from the wood I think, how can the BG algae develop when i'm doing this many water changes?

 

[thereverendturtle]

The light spectrum, and lack of water flow are usual causes. Adding a small powerhead to aide in circulation will often, but not always, help out. What type of lighting and how old is it?

 

[RyanV]

I have 200gph filter already though, do I need more? I have a brand new light fixture with 2 24watt bulbs, 1 is a 10k and 1 is a pink colormax.

 

[thereverendturtle]

I would add extra flow, but that's just me. Your lighting is good, sometimes just adding more plants to take up nutrients will help.