How to remove Algae from plants?

If its heavily infested the best way is to remove the entire leaf. Majority of the time it encourages new growth anyways. For stemmed plants I find it easier to discard the entire stem. It really depends on the plant and the type of algae has attack it though. If its a mild case, gently rubbing the leaf will loosen most of the algae. A good way to fight the algae is to give the plants a jump. Upping the co2 along and nutrients can help once you find the sweet spot. Not sure what livestock you have to control algae but shrimp or fish can definitely help. I prefer RCS over Amanos, ottos are always good to have. I'd steer away from SAE's though. The older they get the less effective they are. Plus they get a tad aggressive IME. Depending on tank size larger sucker mouth catfish are beneficial.

I had a bad bba problem and I asked on here what to do. Someone suggested that I spray H2O2 on the leaves and leave it for a minute or 2 and then rinse. So, Sunday I took out all my plants and my fish and drained my tank and treated the inside with H2O2 and cleaned all my plants. I cut off what was too badly covered and then sprayed the peroxide on some plants. I rubbed off what I could rather than using the peroxide on everything. My lacy java fern was horrible. It was literally black along with the driftwood it was on. I sprayed it and left it for about 2 minutes and then filled my sink with cool water. It just rinsed right off!! I was actually able to salvage that plant when I thought I was going to have to toss it.

My tank now looks really nice and algae free. Unfortunately I had to throw away about 1/2 my plants but hopefully everyone in there is happier now.

Good luck!

Algae Problem

Jim_PA said:

Have ongoing Alage problem that seems to now be resolved, but need to get Algae off plants without destroying plants, any suggestions?

Vallisneria
Sagittaria
Crypts
Anubias
Swords

Thanks

Click to expand...

Hello Jim...

I use Ramshorn snails in all my planted tanks and have no visible algae. They're second to none when it comes to cleaning the plants and removing any other decaying fish and plant matter.

They come in several colors. I have brown, clear, red and have seen some white hybrids in the tanks. They stay small, about the size of a dime and don't damage healthy plants.

A few of these and within a month or so, your algae problems are solved.

A word of caution, they're fast breeders. But, if you feed just two to three times per week, just what the fish eat in a minute or two, you don't have another problem with them piling up in the corners of your tank.

B