Plant Spider Webs

[MissyFishy]

For the last 2 months the plants in my tank have what I can only describe as black spider web growths on them. I have 10 plants that have come from 3 different suppliers but all 10 seem to have it on them. On my last water change I took them all out cleaned them off at cut away the worse bits that were affected But this has grown back this much in only 2 weeks. Since planting my tank I have also introduced a C02 system. I would appreciate any comments and advise from anyone who maybe able to identify what this might be or how I could get rid of it. Have attached 2 pic's which may give an idea of what we are dealing with.Thank you

 

[mark4785]

Unfortunately, I can't help you identify the matter trailing from the plants but I hope somebody else can identify it for you as I have the same problem in my aquarium, only it's trailing from a cryptocoryne plant rather than a bacopa.

 

[MissyFishy]

Unfortunately, I can't help you identify the matter trailing from the plants but I hope somebody else can identify it for you as I have the same problem in my aquarium, only it's trailing from a cryptocoryne plant rather than a bacopa.

Hi there

Oh do you it is really weird stuff. Seems all my plants have it but the one in the pic is the worse Have had lots of views on the post but no replies as yet hope someone does soon though as im worried it may be harmful to the fish

 

[Jamepsss]

Have you read James' algae guide? Looks like staghorn algae to me... http/www.theplantedtank.co.uk/algae.htm

 

[BigTom]

Algae of some sort, possibly staghorn.

Some info here -

http/www.theplantedtank.co.uk/algae.htm
http/www.aquariumalgae.blogspot.com/

 

[loraxchick]

Did it show up after CO2 injection started? I would also recommend looking at the algae guide. It certainly is algae of some sort. Nearly totally agree on the staghorn...or beginnings of some cladifora..Either way harmless to the fish but represents some sort of imbalance, which generally can be corrected.
Id manually remove as much as possible and then have a look at the algae guide for how to correct the issue.
Cheers

 

[mark4785]

I've read into Staghorn on the James' planted tank website and the OP's growth and my growth does resemble staghorn in my opinion. My staghorn was caused not by overfeeding, poor circulation or low c02 but by excessively disturbing my substrate with a gravel-vac (causing cloudy water) and not following it with a W/C.

If the OP often does gravel-vacs followed by no W/C, it may be worth only doing gravel-vacs when you are know you are due to take some of the water out and exchange it with fresh. If you don't do many gravel-vacs, look into lack of circulation/low c02 has being the possible cause instead.

So the solution to your problem is to remove it manually, do a gravel/glass clean if necessary, and ALWAYS remove the then polluted water by exchanging 30-50% of it with fresh dechlorinated water.

 

[MissyFishy]

Thank you for all your comments and the links really interesting reading and yes I think my problem is Staghorn. I didn't have this problem before I introduced the C02 system so after reading the causes im convinced that is what is causing it. Think when I do my water change tomorrow I will remove the C02 system for 2 weeks and see what happens just to be sure. Sarah

 

[ian]

hold fire before removing any C02, as you may end up with more problems. Just give us some details about the CO2 system?

 

[MissyFishy]

hold fire before removing any C02, as you may end up with more problems. Just give us some details about the CO2 system?

Oh ok have not removed it as yet. well its only a very basic system thats attached to the inside of the tank and fed from a pressurised can,it was recommended by the guy in the aquatic shop where I bought my plants.