Stringy Algae

[Crossfire]

I've always had algae in my tank, nothing too serious or bothersome, my amanos would keep it in check. But lately my java moss has fallen victim to some weird stringy brownish algae. Don't know what it is, and I can't take a picture because it blends in with the moss.
I dose with Seachem Flourish Weekly, I use API CO2 Booster daily, but lately I've really slacked off with dosing it. As in, not in a few weeks. I suspect the fluctuating C02 levels are responsible for this, as the moss has direct flow from the filter, I clean the filter biweekly, and I try my best not to overfeed.

I will mention, however, I have an outstanding pest snail problem. The little #105###s have eaten down most of the bottom leaves on my water wisteria. I have an assassin snail, but I think he isn't enough, and I might have to get more assassins. I just fear that they'll breed

Any advice as to rid the algae? I think once I get into the habit of daily CO2 dosing, it'll go away. For now, I've dosed 3ml right above the moss to try and kill it

 

[brian1]

if it's like hair algae i got rid of mine with turning it on a tooth brush?

 

[Crossfire]

if it's like hair algae i got rid of mine with turning it on a tooth brush?

You...brushed the plant?
The algae is on java moss....the toothbrush would wreck it...

 

[brian1]

No I didn't brush it, I got hold of a strand and twirled it round the tooth brush

 

[LucyB]

I have had this on my moss before, I used to just pull it off and it just came off like some hair or something... Now I got a Pleco

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Watch the potty talk Cf .

 

[brian1]

Watch the potty talk Cf .

Thanks for that, just trying to help

 

[Crossfire]

I've always had algae in my tank, nothing too serious or bothersome, my amanos would keep it in check. But lately my java moss has fallen victim to some weird stringy brownish algae. Don't know what it is, and I can't take a picture because it blends in with the moss.
I dose with Seachem Flourish Weekly, I use API CO2 Booster daily, but lately I've really slacked off with dosing it. As in, not in a few weeks. I suspect the fluctuating C02 levels are responsible for this, as the moss has direct flow from the filter, I clean the filter biweekly, and I try my best not to overfeed.

I will mention, however, I have an outstanding pest snail problem. The little jerks have eaten down most of the bottom leaves on my water wisteria. I have an assassin snail, but I think he isn't enough, and I might have to get more assassins. I just fear that they'll breed

Any advice as to rid the algae? I think once I get into the habit of daily CO2 dosing, it'll go away. For now, I've dosed 3ml right above the moss to try and kill it

 

[DrRob]

Sounds like rhizoclonium, does it match the pictures on google?

If it is, it's generally a low flow/CO2 issue, but is a pain in that it really requires as much mechanical removal as humanly possible. As for java moss the only solution I am aware of if it's loaded with this is to blast it with high flow or strip it back to what is attached to the wood/rock.

edit: in fact, does it look like this?

 

[Crossfire]

Here are some pictures, you can see what looks like green tinted sewing thread like strings

 

[DrRob]

That's the stuff.

I got it when my CO2 failed. Pretty much gone now.

You were correct, it was the CO2 drop off that did it.

 

[Crossfire]

I dosed 2ml daily, if I restart doing that, it should go away right?

 

[DrRob]

That will remove the cause, the existing algae will probably need clearing.

 

[Crossfire]

Darn, I was dreading that...How would you recommend clearing it? Take it out and wash it or...?

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Spot dose some carbon.