hair algae

[mkbuckham]

Is there any way to rid my tank of red beard algae other than adding a siamese algae eater. It is a 29 gallon planted with 1 wpg, I had a diy co2 system but took it off a month ago. I dont want to add siamese algae eaters unless I have to. The algae has killed off most of my java fern and is growing on everything but the fish

 

[Soldaneg]

You can always dip the algae covered items in a bleach solution (1 part bleach, 20 parts water). Dip the items for 2 - 3 minutes each and be careful not to let the roots of your plants make contact with the solution. This will remove your algae but if you do not fix the cause of the algae it will come right back. I am fighting a nasty case myself.

Black beard algae usually is caused by low or fluctuating CO2 levels so you may want to consider hooking the DIY CO2 system back up once the algae has been removed.

 

[Bk718]

how long are your lights on??

Though bleach dip is good to get rid of algae, most of the time plants dont come out in the same healthy shape. Instead of bleach try excel or h2o2 spot treatment.