View Full Version : Type of algae on plants?
kipper01
10-14-2007, 7:18 PM
Looking for some input on the type of algae on this plant and what causes the black spots? (Ludwiga) I have DIY CO2 and add seachem ferts on a regular basis. Also have 2.5 WPG on the tank running about 10 hours.
The Java fern not shown in pic has black spots and some green algae on the leaves.
Should I be adding more ferts or am I adding too much? Not enough CO2 or too much?
Thanks in advance.
kipper01
10-15-2007, 8:18 PM
Anyone have any thoughts?
happybob59
10-15-2007, 9:01 PM
ya know...my hygros were doing the same....but i think the algae is green spot algae...are those holes in your leaves?
It looks like green dust algae, it usually starts as small green dots its quite hard to the touch and difficult to remove. With 2.5wpg plants need pretty stable ferts/Co2 and diy Co2 is not consistant enough for those light levels. GDA is associated with low phosphate levels and long light hours. I would cut the light by an hour or two or lower the watts some. Also have a think about your fert regime. The brown dots dont look like algae to me but the beginning of dying leaves a fert deficiency I guess, are they turning into holes in the leaves?
I'm no algae expert despite growing many types :o
kipper01
10-15-2007, 10:02 PM
ya know...my hygros were doing the same....but i think the algae is green spot algae...are those holes in your leaves?
Not holes yet..But the leaves will soon die afterward. Just black spots.
livingword26
10-15-2007, 10:50 PM
I was not able to get my tank stable until I got a pressurized co2 system, and started using fertilizers correctly. After almost a year, I am just beginning to get certain kinds of bad algae under control. Here is a link to Rex's guide to fertilizers. Read it and follow it and you will do well.
http://www.rexgrigg.com/ferts.htm
loaches r cool
10-16-2007, 12:11 AM
It looks like green dust algae, it usually starts as small green dots its quite hard to the touch and difficult to remove.... GDA is associated with low phosphate levels and long light hours.
All the above is describing GSA (green spot algae) not GDA (green dust algae). Just wanted to point that out so as to not spread any confusion.
Sorab
10-16-2007, 12:28 AM
quite right green spot algae it is.