View Full Version : another algae question
muskieswen
02-01-2005, 11:57 AM
What can be done to prevent what looks like some kind of dark algae on some of my plant leaves. The algae will not come off if I run my fingers over the leaves. They seem like dark pimples all over the leaf. Any clues?
Mooch28
02-01-2005, 12:08 PM
What can be done to prevent what looks like some kind of dark algae on some of my plant leaves. The algae will not come off if I run my fingers over the leaves. They seem like dark pimples all over the leaf. Any clues?
What are your water parmeters, and how much light do you have. How big is your tank?
beviking
02-01-2005, 2:04 PM
I use a bleach dip of 19 parts water to 1 part bleach to dip my anubias and java fern if/when they develop algae. This concentration can be too harsh on some plants like vals, anacharis, hygros, etc.... djlen found a 25:1 to be effective and less harsh on plants that are otherwise damaged by the stronger solution. Dip the plant for 2 minutes, rinse in water, and then place in a bucket of water containing 3X de-chlorinator to remove any residual chlorine.
If you provide what Mooch28 asked for, we may be able to help you prevent it from developing in the first place...or at least lengthen the intervals at which it occurs.
muskieswen
02-01-2005, 2:22 PM
I will try to get my parameters tonight
Harlock
02-01-2005, 3:40 PM
I'd like to add Hornwort to the do-not-dip-list provided by BK. I don't even think I would chance it in 25:1 bleach dip because when that stuff sheds needles... I literally had to unclog my Python a few times when my Hornwort shed after a bleach dip. I would love some more Hornwort, but I am afraid of it now. :(
Darkblade48
02-01-2005, 9:10 PM
I'd like to add Hornwort to the do-not-dip-list provided by BK. I don't even think I would chance it in 25:1 bleach dip because when that stuff sheds needles... I literally had to unclog my Python a few times when my Hornwort shed after a bleach dip. I would love some more Hornwort, but I am afraid of it now. :(
Worst. Nightmare. Ever.
Never try a bleach dip with Hornwort.
muskieswen
02-02-2005, 7:46 AM
Alright here are the parameters I could measure
ph 7.8
kh 14
gh 14
nitrites and nitrates 0
Tank is 1 year established 55 gallon with lots of plants, mostly swords. I am thinking maybe I need to up the c02.
happychem
02-02-2005, 7:56 AM
And I'd like to take java moss off the "Do not bleach" list. In a 25:1 solution for 3 minutes the moss lost a lot of colour and looked washed out for about a week. But now it's putting out new, bright green shoots. It doesn't take the bleaching well, but it does survive it.