Dark Green Algae

[Shaman]

Hi

I've got semi planted tank (Java Fern/ Cabomba & Spiral Vallis).

The Java Fern & Vallis is thriving. The cabomba is growing like a mad and I keep cutting the stalks and re-planting but the bottom half of the stalk starts to wilt a little.

However on one of the "rocks" there is some algae like growth going on. It looks like a fake green (darky bluey/green) and looks like it's painted on rather than growing. (if needed I can try a photo when I get home). Does anyone know what it is and how to get rid of?

Cheers

Shaman Dan

 

[lljdma06]

I'm pretty sure it's BGA based on the description, but a picture would comfirm it for me. Since this is not a fully planted tank, I won't treat the problem as a planted tank problem, which usually for BGA is to up the nitrates. With the cabomba wilting, you could possibly dose some fertiliser, but I don't know to what extent you want to commit to a planted tank thing. You may just want to keep the java fern and vallis and enjoy what you have now. It's up to you.

So, I'll ask you this instead. What is you filtration and your water changing regimen?

Liz

 

[Shaman]

Hi

Erm I've been a bit lax with the water changes recently (missed for two weeks!) however I did an 80% change on Sunday. Just taken a couple of pics:

The unknown algae (there's also some Green Spot as well!)

The wilting cabomba.

Hopefully it's just been a case of temporary neglect on my part! Just not had time to do much other than feeding every two days/quick checks on temperature etc...

Everything appears to be in spec (Ammonia/Nitrate 0ppm, Nitrite 15ppm at the moment).

Cheers

Shaman Dan

 

[lljdma06]

Hmm, doesn't look like BGA to me now. I see the greenspot for sure. Perhaps I'm missing something.

That doesn't look like cabomba either, more like egeria densa. What's the temperature of the tank?

 

[coldcazzie]

Agreed, from the description it sounded like BGA but it barely looks like there's anything on that rock at all. Maybe it's the photo. Here's what my tank looked like while I was battling BGA:

As you can see, the dark green colour is everywhere - the ornaments, the gravel, the plants, the back of the tank. Is this what yours looks like? Could we have a wider tank shot?

 

[Shaman]

The temperature of the tank is around 25 Deg C. It's in my cellar and out the way of the windows so no direct sunlight.

I'll grab a few wider shots later.

When I bought it, the guy said it was Cabomba however the other day I tried to move one and it had roots (I'm sure I've read somewhere that combomba doesn't grwo roots).