View Full Version : Need help identifying this algae and getting rid of it.
Hello,
So I noticed that my java moss is covered in what looks like hair algae. Please confirm if thats what it is.
also I will need some suggestions as to how to get rid of it and how to prevent it in the future. Is there any fish that will eat this stuff?
I apologize for the pictures being a little out of focus. took them in a hurry.
Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
Bk828
03-04-2008, 11:41 AM
hmm looks like the start of hair algae
How many hrs do you keep the light on?
You running co2?
What are your nitrate readings??
Mgamer20o0
03-04-2008, 12:02 PM
http://www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=9
smyke
03-04-2008, 12:23 PM
my nitrates have been at 0 for a few weeks now (same for ammonia and nitrItes). I do have the DIY CO2 running diffused through the power head. lights are on for about 11 hours a day.
I have been dosing Flourish twice a week but skipped the last time when I noticed that algea appearing.
Bk828
03-04-2008, 12:28 PM
How long has that co2 bottle been up? time for a change??
try and decrease your lights by 2-3hrs less per day
Try to remove it manually
smyke
03-04-2008, 12:36 PM
CO2 has been running for about 10 days now. its still putting out bubbles regularly.
as far as the light goes I will try to cut back on it.
I have two bulbs on there (20W and 30W) would it make the difference to run one, add second and back to one later in the day? the light is low as it is and I am thinking if I cut back, my plants may suffer because of shorter light exposure.
any fish or shrimp that will help to keep this thing under control in the future?
Bk828
03-04-2008, 12:43 PM
Has the tank been getting any extra sunlight??
I didnt notice that its 50w over 45g.
Hmm my guess now is that either the co2 is 2 low or the use of flourish twice a week caused this..
smyke
03-04-2008, 12:54 PM
it is near the window but its facing North so shouldnt be that much of an issue and as you know this time of year is not really sunny in our neck of the woods.
I did stop the flourish because it was the first thing that came to mind. I will try and count the bubble output on CO2 tonight.
so do you think that I should take all 3 steps at once or try one by one?
1) cut back on the light
2) refill CO2
3) stop flourish