How do I get rid of dark green algae?

G

gmcb

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Sep 28, 2008
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Pennsylvania
Goldfish newbie back again with a question. My fish are wonderful. I'm really having the goldfish (and I'm trying tropical again (in another tank of course).
Anyway, in the goldfish tank I have horrible black/green algae slowly engulfing my live plants and of course on the glass. What's the best solution.
Is my lighting too much?
I'm under the impression I can't have an algae eater since the tank is not heated...correct? Would one even be interested in the this algae?
My plants were doing so well and now I'm afraid I'll lose them.
 
Well a picture of the algae could help identify it. However, you can go to the planted section and get some idea's on how to combat it.

Blue-green algae is actually a cyanobacteria that can be killed with antibiotics. All the rest take a little more creative solutions (changing lighting, fertilizer. CO2, plant spiecies, etc...)
 
The algae problem here sounds like BGA to me if it is actually engulfing everywhere. No fish or snails will ever eat that. It's toxic to them.
 
I agree with Lupin, it sounds like blue-green algae.

You may try one of those phosphorous-removing pads. They will get rid of any excess phosphorous in your water that could be feeding the algae. Two or three days of total blackout in the tank - no lights at all - should kill much of it to start with. Then you might think about upping your water change schedule to remove more nitrates, vacuuming the gravel more thoroughly, and turning down the lighting a bit.

You can also try buying a timer for the lights. Set it to have a three-hour blackout period in the middle of the day. This technique has worked wonders for me in the past as far as keeping algae at bay.
 
flaringshutter said:
I agree with Lupin, it sounds like blue-green algae.

You may try one of those phosphorous-removing pads. They will get rid of any excess phosphorous in your water that could be feeding the algae. Two or three days of total blackout in the tank - no lights at all - should kill much of it to start with. Then you might think about upping your water change schedule to remove more nitrates, vacuuming the gravel more thoroughly, and turning down the lighting a bit.

You can also try buying a timer for the lights. Set it to have a three-hour blackout period in the middle of the day. This technique has worked wonders for me in the past as far as keeping algae at bay.
Click to expand...

Thanks. That sounds like it might be a good idea to black out the tank. I am pretty meticulous regarding water changes and vacuuming (love the python!). I'll try the phosphorus pad too.
I hate to lose my lovely plants but they are really getting it bad right now.
Thanks.
 
I have two Japanese Trapdoors (thanks msjinkz!). But, I don't think they are eating this stuff. It is on the plant leaves, the glass, the gravel and rocks. It is in spots on the glass. I will take a photo and post it if that helps.
I don't want to add any chemicals to the water to get rid of it. My fish are happy and healthy and I can't go through losing them or nursing them. been through that a lot for a newbie. :)
 
Yep, I think of adding chemicals as a last resort. Keeping the fish happy is the main thing. i can even out up with a bit of algae, if it's not out of control.
 
gmcb, before trying any chemicals make sure to check whether or not they are toxic for your snails, too. no snail will eat BGA, since as mentioned, it is poisonous. also, many of the chemicals used for getting rid of algae won't work on BGA, and are highly toxic to inverts. so be very careful.

bitbot, I suspect it is BGA since gmcb mentioned that it is "engulfing" his live plants and glass. BGA can be many colors, from nearly turquoise to bright emerald green to nearly black and even red in some cases. but it grows in thick sheets and looks almost like a net of slime, draped over everything like spiderwebs. since it is actually a bacteria, it is extremely difficult to eradicate. but it does seem to respond to blackouts and a phosphorous pad.

best of luck!
 
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