black hair algae

[Sime]

hi,
ive had a major prune in my tank and all accross the back wall the vallis was covered in black hairy algae, some of which was about 3 inches long and realy thick and black.

i think phosphates are what cause this? i've read all the normal articles and so on.

i'm going to try lowering them (they are currently very high) but can i just double check im on the right track?

also - i've had ottos in the past but didnt realy have algae problems then.... are they much good at hair algae or are they more of a "slime" eater?

many thanks,

Simon.

 

[houndour]

What level are your phosphates? I have a horrible black hair like algae, think it is black brush though. Mines rather short, no more than an inch long, most is only millimeters though.

 

[Sime]

they're over 2 - so i'm trying desperatly to lower them. i'm pretty sure thats what causes it?

 

[houndour]

i cant remember my levels, but they're were in the recommended levels in the book for planted tanks.

are you going to try a phosphate remover? Are you using ferts that contain phosphate?

 

[Sime]

no no ferts with phosphate, and my fish food doesnt contain any now either - its a flake made from whole fish pieces.

i did a test a while back on foods, king brittish contained loads and upped my levels and another one in a blue tub called aqua something.

this is meant to have non. all the ferts i have which may have it in are the ones which came with the hagen CO2 kit, but they're sticks under the gravel.

will have a look tonight, hopefully its lowered after treating it last night.

Simon.

 

[zig]

Your phosphates are to high, the recommended levels are 0.5 to 1 ppm, this may be the cause of it, the phosphates can come from fish waste, excess food, or sometimes it can be in your tap water.

You should check your nitrate levels, because your plants may have used it all up and this can allow the algae to start useing your excess phosphate and get a hold in your tank.

Once you get you phosphates under control and have checked your nitrate levels ( and if they are low or non existent obviously add nitrates ) you should probably ditch any plants or part of plants that are affected with the algae.