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Info alga
- Thread starter max73
- Start date
| Blue Green Algae, BGA |
| Description |
| Cause |
| Removal |
This isn't a true algae, but a bacteria called cyanobacteria that can photosynthesise. Covers everything in a blue/green slimy mat. Easily peels off but grows back again very quickly.
It can smell pretty foul. It is very commonly found in the substrate and especially along the front glass where is receives light.
Often caused by very low nitrates.
It is fairly common to have it growing in the substrate against the front glass from where it can spread. Sometimes it appears with new setups that have had light and ammonia present at some point. Dirty substrates and filters may also bring it on. Poor water circulation is another possible cause.
A blackout is the best method for this.
Clean out as much of the algae as you can and do a 30 to 50% water change. If your nitrates are low then add some potassium nitrate to get levels to 20ppm. Remove CO2 and add an airstone. Turn off the lights and cover the whole tank so no light can enter. Leave it for 3 to 4 days. No peeking and no feeding - fish will be fine without food for this period. After 3 to 4 days remove the covers and do a 30 - 50% water change. Remove the airstone and start CO2. You will need to dose nitrates to keep them dropping too low again. Make sure your substrate and filter don't become too clogged up with mulm and also make sure you have good water circulation around the whole tank.
There looks to be Cyano in between the hair grass!
Does it smell?
If it's not Cyano it's probably Green Spot Algae.
Does it smell?
If it's not Cyano it's probably Green Spot Algae.
Nuno da Silva
Member
Looks like the beginning of a BBA outbreak, the most mysterious algae. Can and most likely will pop up on just about any type of setup, low tech, high tech, Co2,non Co2, high nutrient, low nutrients, etc. There's no consensus on what causes it, and how to eliminate it.
I think it is too "green" to be Black Brush Algae.
You are not wrong there, it moves in <"mysterious ways">.
Cheers Darrel
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