[DanG]

I'm curious if folks know what kind of algae is visible in these photos, and the best way to treat it.

Edited out the long story to see if I can get some response.

Lessening the light intensity, and changing fert regimen. Short version of saga: long established tank, had algae outbreak, had lost all algae eating inverts because of high Cu. Lesson: don't use brass fittings in your tank!

The algae in question is a kind of short, fuzzy carpet visible on the leaves in the photos below. I believe it is all the same.

 

[DanG]

I'm curious if folks know what kind of algae is visible in these photos, and the best way to treat it.

Edited out the long story to see if I can get some response.

Lessening the light intensity, and changing fert regimen. Short version of saga: long established tank, had algae outbreak, had lost all algae eating inverts because of high Cu. Lesson: don't use brass fittings in your tank!

The algae in question is a kind of short, fuzzy carpet visible on the leaves in the photos below. I believe it is all the same.

 

[Frshwtr]

It's green dust algae.

How to Remove Green Dust Algae from Fish Tank Glass

Here is a good video that goes through everything dealing with algae, causes and prevention:

 

[somewhatshocked]

Definitely not green dust algae. It's growing in tufts and appears to be a form of cladophora.

 

[DanG]

Thank you all for your responses. Somewhatshock (ed?) has followed and advised me on the situation in this long established tank that led to this algae outbreak (and earlier outbreak of thread algae, which is now gone).

I have looked up cladophora, and all the images I've seen show longer threadlike growth than i am observing in my tank. All of what I am seeing in my tank is a very short fuzzy carpet. Some images of green spot algae come a bit closer, but not exact either, as the algae in my tank is not in "spots". That is what has had me stumped. I think I will just keep with the usual algae management protocols and hope for the best.

I had lost all inverts that were keeping algae well under control for years. Lesson: don't use brass fittings for your tanks! I will continue to try to manage appropriately, including reintroducing inverts once Cu levels are again acceptable.

 

[somewhatshocked]

I have looked up cladophora, and all the images I've seen show longer threadlike growth than i am observing in my tank.

There are multiple forms of cladophora - from really short, new growth like what you've got to the stuff that forms marimo balls to a few longer varieties.

 

[DanG]

Ah, I see. Yes, the closest images I've found online were photos folks posted of what others were (jokingly?) calling "marimo algae." I've dialed back my light intensity again. Anything else to do other than reintroduction of inverts over time?