Algae ID

Hannys_Papa

AC Members
Aug 31, 2005
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Upstate NY
I am wondering if there are any good pages on the web to help me ID a type of algae. I tried this page but nothing looks like what i have.

I first thought it must be BGA but it looks nothing like that picture. I have the stuff on a few leaves of anacharis and water sprite. It also seems like it maybe be starting in a few other spots (so its spreading - hooray !!!)
It came out of nowhere about a week ago.

Its basically a very thin layer of EXTREMELY blueishgreenish looking stuff. The colour is almost NEONblue-green - really vibrant - like they would use for alien blood in a bad sci-fi movie. It looks odd to say the least...

EDIT: I cant really describe it any better and in pics it doesnt show right because i can't get close enough but if you take a look at this (google searched) picture - its **** close to the colour of the algae:
http://www.thegrillstoreandmore.com/image/products/big-pics/36710.jpg
 
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I agree that it is cyanobacteria, especially if it forms smooth filmy sheets.

The best way to get rid of this is to do a 3 day blackout by covering the tank with heavy blankets or other material to completely block all light from entering the tank. Whatever you do, do not peek during the 3 days and don't feed your fish.

I did this about 2 weeks ago and when I unveiled the tank, every single bit of it was gone!
 
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