Removing Hard Green Algae. GRR

[LindaD]

I've had an outbreak of that nasty hard green dot algae. And I cannot remove the crap. :mad:

I've been leaving the tank lights off hoping that it will die.. but to no avail. I've also used a washcloth and my fingernail and that barely makes a dent.

I don't overfeed.. and my Nitrates are low.. generally 10-15ppm. My phosphates were a bit high. I can't remember the exact numbers. (well water.. lol) But usually the only algae I had as a result was brown and a bit of normal green algae but it was easily wiped off. I could live with that. But this crap is driving me insane.

It there anyway to remove this stuff without scratching the glass? I didn't mind so much when it was just on the side of the tank but now it's starting to travel up the front glass. :mad: I thought about getting a small pleco. But if I can't scrape this stuff off I doubt a fish could.. lol.

Also what causes this type of algae? This tank has been setup for about 4 years. And I've never seen this type of algae before.

Thanks for any help. :)

[delmore]

Try using a credit card to scrape it off. If that doesn't work, use a single edge razor blade. It is best to use it only once, because the edge will probably rust, which could scratch the glass during the next cleaning.

I use my Big Al's bonus points card :)

[Pink Pat]

LindaD,

I agree that a single edge razor blade would probably work best. You can't beat one for getting off spot algae. Be careful however around the corners so you don't get into or under the silicone.

Also, simply wiping the blade dry will prevent it from rusting. Rust is cause by two dissimilar metals coming in contact with an electrolyte. In this case you cannot seperate the two metals, but you can remove the electrolyte. Wiping off the water and allowing the blade to air dry for a few minutes will preserve the blade for years to come.

As for what the exact cause of this stuff is, I can't say. I've got my faith buried in the fact that aliens bring it when they come visit.;) I can't confirm that, but that is the best theory I have been able to come up with so far.

HTH

PP

[LindaD]

Thanks very much!

I'll give the credit card a try first. I'm way too clumsy to use a razor blade.. LOL