Algae

[cpwright93]

Is this type of algae good for the tank or will it spread?

 

[FranciscoB]

Not good. However, among algae, it is not one of the worse ones. It rubs-off easily between fingers, usually without damage to the blades, and then can be vacuumed off the bottom. A combination of mechanical attack and ascertaining its causes should take care of it completely.

 

[Byron]

Is the algae is the furry stuff on the stem lying in front? Or are you referring to the brown patches on the java fern in the left rear?

 

[cpwright93]

Furry stuff lying on the stem

 

[Byron]

OK. Obviously you will remove the stem. It looks like a form of black brush algae. If you see this elsewhere, you need to take action to restrain it, meaning, stop it from increasing. It will be everywhere. It is caused by an imbalance of light and nutrients. This means the light has to be sufficient in intenisty for the plants, and nutrients have to be available. If this is not balanced, the plants cannot grow and algae takes advantage.

The Java Fern looks in trouble. Is the rhizome buried in the sand? And what is the light, this is a low light plant. Are you adding any plant fertilizer?

 

[FranciscoB]

I was referring to the brown/rust colored algae on the Java fern.

 

[Byron]

I was referring to the brown/rust colored algae on the Java fern.

Yes, it is hard to tell from photos, if that is diatoms or leaf dying.

 

[BettaFishGirl]

Yes, it is hard to tell from photos, if that is diatoms or leaf dying.

I have similar looking stuff on one of my java fern leaves, and it's the leaf dying.

 

[Colin_T]

Yes, it is hard to tell from photos, if that is diatoms or leaf dying.

it looks like either diatoms or Cyanobacteria, most likely diatoms tho.

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For the OP, you need to have the aquarium heater on an angle so the thermostat is higher than the heating coil. The thermostat is usually at the end with the cord, and the heating coil is at the other end of the glass case. You usually have them on a 30-45 degree angle with the thermostat higher than the heating coil.

 

[ZoddyZod]

not sure what algae it is (doesn't look anything like black brush), but it obviously 'likes' that stick it is growing on. Wont do any harm to the tank, but if you don't like it aesthetically, simply bin the stick.

 

[Byron]

Whatever the species may be, any "problem" algae which this is will harm the plants as it spreads, choking the leaves one by one. So I would advice dealing with it. Earlier questions have not been answered so we are at a standstill.