Can anyone ID this?

989 Views 6 Replies 3 Participants Last post by TheFoleys, Aug 22, 2012

Alex84

Discussion Starter · Aug 21, 2012

Hey guys.

Just wondering if anyone can help me identify the algae that's on my dwarf hair grass?

The picture is a bit crappy as I've only got a camera on my phone.

Any help would be great.

Cheers

Alex

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Trickerie

· #2 · Aug 21, 2012

Most likely blackbeard algae. Does it look like tufts, if not, what does it look like structurally.

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Alex84

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 21, 2012

Trickerie said:
Most likely blackbeard algae. Does it look like tufts, if not, what does it look like structurally.

I guess the best way I can describe it is it looks like dust has stuck to the grass. It doesn't seem to be tufty and furry looking like some pictures I've just looked at of black beard algae but its not been there long as I only noticed it today. I've searched around and managed to find this picture. This isn't my grass but looks very similar. This is the guys blog about his tank but he doesn't say what kind of algae it was on the grass.

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Trickerie

· #4 · Aug 21, 2012

Looks like diatoms or build up of organic matter due to lack of flow and filtration

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Alex84

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 21, 2012

I'm not so sure there's a lack of filtration as I'm using a fluval 206 which is way more than enough filtration. It may be the flow as I have recently fitted a spray bar along the back of the tank that is aimed slightly up and to the front of the tank. The debris may just be getting directed straight into the grass. I will give the grass a clean and try a different flow setup.

Thanks for the advice

roud:

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Trickerie

· #6 · Aug 21, 2012

The fluval 206 gives you enough filtration for the 15g, if thats what we're talking about. Maybe add a small powerhead to get flow down to the substrate. You want your plants to sway slightly like in the wind.

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TheFoleys

· #7 · Aug 22, 2012

Hi Alex,
Can't really see your pic....
But the 2nd pic Is very clear. It is bga in that pic.
Often called blue green algea, although its not actually an algae species. It's a variety of cyanobacterium. A higher form of nitrogen fixing bacteria. Usually a sign of low nitrate levels. Bga can fix atmospheric nitrogen and can also use other forms of n more readily than plants.
It's just wipes off like a slime. Easy to manage once you get it to stop breeding. If you believe what you have looks like the second pic, and fits the description of strong green teal shade of slime coating. You need to add nitrate, or more fish, or get rid of other nutrients to restore balance in respect to n vs others. Or you can nuke it with antibiotics but that's not cool. That's lazy and hurts other established bacterias you wouldn't want dead. Hope that helps.
If your not sure desribe us more details.
Btw the only thing I really see is at the top of your grass if it is adhered just snip it!gl

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