What type of algae?

[TNG]

I have this algae on and off, attached to basalt and HOB's water intake. It seems to only attach to dark surfaces. Just wondering what type it is?

 

[MattW]

My guess is BBA

I have some in one of my tanks. Only ever gotten rid of it through manual removal sadly. There probably is another way to remove it.

 

[WhistlingBadger]

Ah, my old nemesis, BBA. (Black brush algae) It is actually a red algae. Stubborn as heck. I know a few methods to remove it if it gets out of control. But if it stays put and isn't taking over? It actually is kind of cool.

 

[TNG]

Thanks for your responses. Now that I know it's BBA I'll reduce light intensity and see if it helps.

 

[jaylach]

That is a minor reason that I like Panda Garra as they are one of the few fish that will chow down on the stuff. I have never seen this myself but they are reported to do so. Oddly I've never had any BBA.

Don't go out and get Panda Garras to solve. You don't get fish to cure an issue. You get fish because you like, not to cure issues.

 

[WhistlingBadger]

That is a minor reason that I like Panda Garra as they are one of the few fish that will chow down on the stuff. I have never seen this myself but they are reported to do so. Oddly I've never had any BBA.

Don't go out and get Panda Garras to solve. You don't get fish to cure an issue. You get fish because you like, not to cure issues.

Mine never touched it. Maybe they had too many other choices.

 

[jaylach]

Mine never touched it. Maybe they had too many other choices.

From what I've read they will eat BBA but not as a first choice. They would rather eat the green stuff and bio film. They also need protein.