[Poorboy]

Not sure of the type of algae or even if these two are the same, but I trimmed back 95% and have been overdosing seachem excel, lights cut from 8 to 6 hours. It back though and I'm really frustrated now. My parameters are fine and fish and plants are well. I don't over feed, and even added a power head for more circulation. I want to stay away from hydrogen peroxide and just don't know what to do.... Thanks for the tips in advance.

 

[Poorboy]

Another pic

 

[lauraleellbp]

Sure looks like BBA to me, which Excel usually does a great job killing off... Maybe try a syringe and squirt your Excel dose directly on the algae?

 

[Poorboy]

Thanks I'll try that. Just wish I knew what was causing this bc I'm scared it's just going to come back again

 

[lauraleellbp]

Eh, as long as it's not so bad it's killing your plants, IMO it's no biggie. I typically ignore it in my own tanks as long as it behaves itself and stays on my driftwood and filter equipment lol

 

[chocological]

It's dreaded BBA!

Turn off your filters and pumps, anything that moves water.. Use a syringe and dose your excel or peroxide right on it..

 

[Agent69]

Looks like BBA!! I would bomb the tank immediately. I too tried to battle bba with spot treating using excel but I failed. Good luck!

 

[Poorboy]

Thanks, but how do I pinpoint what's wrong to prevent it from returning? Is this a deficiency somewhere?

 

[lauraleellbp]

If your plants are growing well and not showing any deficiencies, then no, you don't have a deficiency.

I think people tend to forget that algae is just another plant... just happens to be one that can travel through the air in "spores" so show up "spontaneously," and under favorable conditions become invasive and choke out other plants, which is the reason we end up "going to war" with it in planted tanks.

Personally, as long as algae isn't taking over, I could care less if my tanks have a bit here and there.

Many planted tankers do take whatever measures it takes to try and eradicate every spot they can find, however.

If the algae on your filter output and driftwood are really bothering you, then I'd recommend pulling those out of the tank, manually cleaning off what you can, and then soaking them in a bucket with either a bleach or Excel solution to kill off the remainder.