Unidentified Algae

matnez82 · 12-13-2012, 10:20 AM

Hello. I'm having an issue with some algae which is growing over my plants and wood. None of my shrimp or fish touch it and I was wondering if anyone on here has any ideas to what it is and how to get rid of it?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Darkblade48 · 12-13-2012, 06:44 PM

It looks like it is the beginning of BBA.

What is your CO2/lighting/fertilization regimen like?

matnez82 · 12-13-2012, 08:10 PM

Thanks for the response.

My Tank is a 5 gallon Fluval Spec.

I have a 20w grow lamp which I am running for 8 hours a day.

I dose once a week with Dennerle plant elixir as per the instructions. I have root fertiliser tables in the substrate.

I have a Tropica Plant Growth Co2 System 60 which I am now using on a daily bases as per the instructions.

I have only this week introduce the Co2.

Thanks again

Dmckmc · 12-20-2012, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkblade48

It looks like it is the beginning of BBA.

What is your CO2/lighting/fertilization regimen like?

I agree, looks like BBA to me too. A lack of CO2 seems to cause BBA. I have spot treated BBA with H2O2 but be careful not to use too much. Research some posts on this forum about how much to use.

Then I would focus on increasing CO2 - very slowly -over several weeks.

Be patient. It takes a while to get rid of the stuff and keep it away.

Raymond S. · 12-29-2012, 06:49 PM

Hi
Raymond S. here nubie to this forum...
Recently I had the same (apparently) issue. Since I have no exp in such I checked/w
a shop owner who used to be a school biology teacher.
info I received...
Didn't mention name (BBA ?) but he said caused by extra low KH.
Related symptom in my tank's case: extra slow growth of other plants.
Also fine growth (3/16") hair like / green on plant(java fern) leaves.
Solution: #1 get KH test kit...found KH to be very low.
#2 add baking soda...for ten gal tank...1/4 teaspoon...was suggested
it be done once a week and check/w test kit each time till KH correct.
Two doses later (1x1/4 teaspoon each week for two weeks) KH
was at 6.5 level.
Stop adding.
Check when water change is made and adjust.
Plants have started growing again and that whatever it is, is gone
and "hair" on java leaves is shrinking.

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12-13-2012, 10:20 AM	#1
matnez82 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Devon Posts: 6	Unidentified Algae Hello. I'm having an issue with some algae which is growing over my plants and wood. None of my shrimp or fish touch it and I was wondering if anyone on here has any ideas to what it is and how to get rid of it? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Attached Thumbnails

12-13-2012, 06:44 PM	#2
Darkblade48 Moderator (View User Tanks) PTrader: (3/100%) Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 7,056	It looks like it is the beginning of BBA. What is your CO2/lighting/fertilization regimen like? __________________ Anthony A Primer to Pressurized CO2 and A Primer to Planted Tanks Eheim Pimp #362 - Eheim 2213 x2, Eheim 2028, Ehein 2217, Eheim surface skimmer and Eheim autofeeder. Victor Pimp #33 - HPT272-125-350-4M

12-13-2012, 08:10 PM	#3
matnez82 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Devon Posts: 6	Thanks for the response. My Tank is a 5 gallon Fluval Spec. I have a 20w grow lamp which I am running for 8 hours a day. I dose once a week with Dennerle plant elixir as per the instructions. I have root fertiliser tables in the substrate. I have a Tropica Plant Growth Co2 System 60 which I am now using on a daily bases as per the instructions. I have only this week introduce the Co2. Thanks again

12-29-2012, 06:49 PM	#5
Raymond S. Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Hot Springs Ar. 71901 Posts: 2	Hi Raymond S. here nubie to this forum... Recently I had the same (apparently) issue. Since I have no exp in such I checked/w a shop owner who used to be a school biology teacher. info I received... Didn't mention name (BBA ?) but he said caused by extra low KH. Related symptom in my tank's case: extra slow growth of other plants. Also fine growth (3/16") hair like / green on plant(java fern) leaves. Solution: #1 get KH test kit...found KH to be very low. #2 add baking soda...for ten gal tank...1/4 teaspoon...was suggested it be done once a week and check/w test kit each time till KH correct. Two doses later (1x1/4 teaspoon each week for two weeks) KH was at 6.5 level. Stop adding. Check when water change is made and adjust. Plants have started growing again and that whatever it is, is gone and "hair" on java leaves is shrinking.