Getting rid of bottle brush algae

[Diann62]

I have a planted tank with various plants and an onion plant. I have bottle brush algae growing only on the onion plant. I couldn't manually take off the algae so I cut the leaves off where the algae was growing. It's back again, only on the onion plant and don't know how to get rid of it. I have 3 bristlenose plecos that don't touch it. I leave the lights on for 12 hours a day and use 1 watt/gallon. I'm not near any windows. I fertilize twice weekly with fertilizer and iron because the plants weren't doing well...........well now they are so I don't want to stop fertilizing. I only feed the fish once a day, so there's not too much. Maybe I should feed every second day? Any suggestions are much appreciated.

[247Plants]

Sounds like a really long photoperiod. maybe try cutting it down to 10?

[Squawkbert]

Got Mollies? They tend to eat some BBA. You may also want to try out some Seachem Flourish Excel. It inhibits algae growth and will probably increase growth in your other plants (stem plants in particular - Vals and bryophytes -Mosses- tend not to like it so much).

[bluekrissyspike]

are onion plants an aquatic plant or do you just mean onions?

[Riiz]

are onion plants an aquatic plant or do you just mean onions?

There is an aquatic called a Water Onion plant, because it has a bulb at the base that looks like a freshly pulled Onion. Its a tough plant that will survive goldfish and african cichlids.

Link to care info: http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/plants/RosettePlants/WaterOnion.php

[irishspy]

Got Mollies? They tend to eat some BBA. You may also want to try out some Seachem Flourish Excel.

:iagree:

I can testify to this. I had a real bad problem with staghorn and brush algae (among others). I started overdosing with Excel and, within 3 weeks, the algae was nearly gone. :thm:

[Diann62]

Thanks for the advice.........I'll try the excel. :)

[irishspy]

Thanks for the advice.........I'll try the excel. :)

Just one thing: only do the recommended dosage at first; don't overdose until your fish have had time to get used to it and then only increase gradually. (I was treating the tank with a double-dose, but I worked up slowly.)

And good luck! It's frustrating having algae spoil a pretty tank. :angryfire:

[Derringer]

And good luck! It's frustrating having algae spoil a pretty tank. :angryfire:

No - Doubt! My first planted tank is now suffering from what looks like a couple different kinds. I think green hair/fuzz algae and staghorn - both are on my giant hygro - mostly green hairy stuff. What sucks is I am not home during the day so I am not able to really get it in check - would love to crack up the Co2 or double dose Excel, but I would want to be there to watch the fish to see how they handle it.