Algae identity

[R3GG]

Hi, my 40 gal has been planted for about a year or so now and was doing great with some massive plant growth. A few months ago i got this algae growing in the tank and my plants have since withered and become rather drab and unspectacular. Its pretty hard to get off. I have a few algae eating fish which i thought might improve the situation including a sucking loach, twig cat and 2 otocinclus. They dont seem to be able to remove it very well at all and only get the tiniest bit off if any.

Can anyone tell me what it is (beard, hair or brush algae maybe?) and how i can bin it? My plants just arent growing anymore, PH is 7, ammonia 0 - plenty of light but i dont believe this to be the cause.
Thanks

 

[simonbrown403]

hair algue, lack of nutreints, cut as much out as pos, try adding co2

 

[R3GG]

Yeah im hooking leaves out all the time that are covered in it and trying to keep it off the glass. Are you saying a lack of nutrients will remove it?
Cheers

 

[George Farmer]

Looks like the dreaded BB algae (Black Beard). The only fish that will eat this is the Siamese Algae Eater.

It seems odd that your tank has developed it after a year of success. Have you changed or added anything recently of note i.e. new fertiliser, lighting etc? Another cause maybe your plants have just reached the end of their useful lives, stopped growing and consequently stopped using up algae fertilising nutrients.

My quick remedial advice would be to remove any plants infested and mechanically remove as much algae as possible. Cut your lighting to say 8 hours (4 on 4 off 4 on). This light siesta helps stop algae growth but the plants don't mind it so much. Stop feeding for a week - harmless for the fish. Plenty of water changes (unless you have high nitrate or phosphates in your tap water). Do you know the phosphate (PO4) or nitrate (NO3) levels? Over 0.2 mg/l PO4 can trigger algae, try for less than 20 mg/l NO3.

What lighting do you have and CO2 (if any)?

 

[R3GG]

Hi gf225, I'm not sure on the phosphate or nitrate as i dont have the test kits available just now. Your advice sounds good and i love the quality of your plants in your planted tank. The only change that coincides with the algae appearing was when i switched from an external to 2nd hand internal filter which may have had the algae on it

I've been running 2x Triton 1050mm 38w tubes pretty much since the tank was set up. I have never used CO2.

My parents like to put too much food in when im at uni - this probably adds to the problem. Im home at the moment so i'll be able to stop feeding for a week if thats necessary.

This seems to be the slut of all algaes, the amano shrimp are probably the only thing that touch it but its not enough

So...feeding has been stopped
lighting is on 4on 4off 4on
and tomorrow i'll remove some more plants. I think 99% of the plants are covered so i'm going to have to restock but it'll be worth it if this works.

 

[konrad05]

I have the same situation as you. For a long period of time my tank was growing great, no algae at all. But now all this bs as come along. First beard algae, then long hair algae, then this blanket algae crap, and now this new form of algae that only comes off with a metal utility blade! I'm so mad I just want to give up and replant everything!
Let me know what works for you though, I've tried everything.

By the way gf225, do you know what kind of algae I'm talking about? It's really difficult to take off, it's almost like a crust and its hard. Oh well, maybe I'll follow your lead and reaquascape my tank too

 

[R3GG]

I know the feeling, its pretty depressing. I've realised the situation isnt going to improve without drastic action so im just going to bite the bullet and do what was said previously and bring in some new plants once the situation improves.

Its easy to be put off altogether by algae that is so resilient & takes over so fiercly but stick it out...its worth it if you end up with a great looking tank!
konrad05 there are some algaes described Here that might help you identify yours.
Good luck

 

[konrad05]

Thanks a lot for the link! Turns out I've HAD slime algae, fuzz algae, beard algae, hair algae, and I HAVE brown algae, spot algae, aned brush algae! I should get an award or something lol. But like you said, I think I'll consider replanting too. Good luck!

 

[George Farmer]

Sorry to hear about your algae problm Konrad. You're the last person I'd imagine ti have one. How did that aquascaping contest go?

 

[Angry_Platy]

turns out I have fuzz algae on some plants and spot algae on the glass.....

Not too bad though....

 

[R3GG]

Ok i've commenced the removal of affected plants. gf225 - Do you think i should try and save them via bleaching in a weak solution? or throw them? There wont be many left if i throw all affected plants away
Thanks

 

[Dubby]

No harm in trying the bleach route. But before you bleach I would suggest you do a full cleanup of your filter as well. This will prevent any spores that are lurking in there coming back to ruin the plants.

 

[R3GG]

Thanks for the info, i've just cleaned the filter and most of the plants are gone now. I'll need to start making a list of plants to get in. Im looking for something that will grow to fill the top/mid part of the tankl and i'll need grasses also.
Any ideas are welcome!
thanks.