Freckles on my Anubius?

[Baldrick30]

Hi There,

I've got a nice anubius plant in my aquarium, but it's developing some stange characteristics. I've noticed that the leaves aren't quite as dark green as they were, plus, the leaves are getting lots of spots over them - kinda looks like green freckles. I actually thought it was dirt on the leaves, but a quick attempt at cleaning proved me wrong. I also heard that Algae might grow on thier leaves - but it doesn't seem to come off when rubbed. It really seems to be a part of the leaves.

Is this a normal development or is it having issues?

Any thoughts are much appreciated.

Thanks!
Cam

[theotheragentm]

http://aquariumalgae.blogspot.com/

You're looking at Green Spot Algae most likely. Try cutting back your light. Almost nothing will eat it other than a Nerite Snail, and those are not that common as they are generally brackish or salt water, but can be adapted to freshwater.

[Baldrick30]

Yeah that seems to be it. Thanks! And thanks for that link - really excellent page!

I've probably been leaving the light on a bit long of late as I've been staying up too late and it's nice to have the fishies on.... shall have to be more regimented in future.

So most of the material I've read about getting rid of green spot is about getting it off the glass, or introducing fish that will eat it. I'm just wondering what the option is if the glass is not a problem (yet) and I'm not wanting to put any new fish in? If I just reduce the light for a bit (maybe 5 or 6 hours per day?) will it gradually disappear? Or does it even really matter, it seems to be some of the less aggressive / destructive algaes around?

Thanks!
Baldrick

[theotheragentm]

The reason you are seeing algae is that you have enough light, but your nutrients are not in balance for the plants. After light, carbon is the next thing needed. Do you have any form of CO2 injection or a carbon dosing, like Excel? 5-6 hours is kind of short on the light period, but the fish won't care. As long as you don't have plants that require more light it shouldn't be a problem.