Javascript Disabled Detected

You currently have javascript disabled. Several functions may not work. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality.

Algae identification.

Started by Guest_cjohns_* , Oct 09 2014 03:18 PM

Please log in to reply

11 replies to this topic

#1 Guest_cjohns_*

Guests

Posted 09 October 2014 - 03:18 PM

I have two different types of "algae"growing in my 20L stream tank. One I'm guessing is brown algae and the other I'm not even sure if it's a alage. The tank has a ton of flow and oxygen. Any help appreciated.

Attached Files

20141009_152756.jpg 109.52KB 1 downloads
20141009_152719.jpg 90.58KB 2 downloads
20141009_152630.jpg 76.04KB 4 downloads

Back to top

#2 littlen

NANFA Member

Washington, D.C.

Posted 09 October 2014 - 03:42 PM

I know you didn't ask, but to the same tone as "Honey badger don't care"....."Stoneroller don't care!" Perhaps they could help you with said algae.

My expert knowledge of algae would warrant the response of Brown-Fuzzy Algae and Green Stringy Algae.

I think it makes your tank look natural. Do you plan on keeping it, or is your next question how to get rid of it?

Nick L.

Back to top

#3 Guest_cjohns_*

Guests

Posted 09 October 2014 - 04:42 PM

I remove it from the glass and some off the 3d background. I have been keeping all the green stringy algae. I do like the natural look. A stone roller might do the trick. I'm guessing they like most algae?

Back to top

#4 littlen

NANFA Member

Washington, D.C.

Posted 09 October 2014 - 05:17 PM

They certainly have their favorites--I see them do the most work on brown, diatomaceous algae that grows quickly and covers everything in my tanks. But you won't know until you try! If nothing else, it gives you a reason to collect more fish. Stonerollers are a great addition regardless if they are cleaning your tank or not. Just my 2 cents.

Nick L.

Back to top

#5 Guest_gerald_*

Guests

Posted 10 October 2014 - 10:22 AM

I've never seen any fish or invert that will reliably eat blue-green slime algae or Cyanobacteria (Oscillatoria, Phormidium, and relatives). Your purplish-brown algae might be that; the photo is too blurry to tell, I'm just guessing based on the color. They can look dark green to bluish to blackish to reddish, depending on light, water parameters, and age of the algae. The green stringy one could be a Cladophora, but there are other possibilities.

Back to top

#6 Guest_Skipjack_*

Guests

Posted 10 October 2014 - 01:15 PM

Stonerollers love the brown diatomaceous in my experience as well. It is entertaining to watch them ram the algae with their scraper like bottom jaw. They are pretty peaceful as well. Worthwhile addition for sure.

Back to top

#7 Guest_don212_*

Guests

Posted 10 October 2014 - 08:41 PM

flaggies love that stringy stuff

Back to top

#8 Guest_cjohns_*

Guests

Posted 11 October 2014 - 08:18 AM

The 20L Is currently home to 9 darters,2 elegant madtoms, two juvenile bluegill and a few mosquito fish. They all look very healthy. The bluegill can be moved asap but I'm afraid any more bottom feeders will overcrowd it. What do you guys think?
Here are a couple more pictures of the algae and the setup.

Attached Files

20141010_151121.jpg 117.11KB 0 downloads
20141010_150853.jpg 112.53KB 0 downloads

Back to top

#9 Guest_gerald_*

Guests

Posted 11 October 2014 - 09:55 AM

Since the tank has no other live plants, I would let the algae grow for its water quality benefits.

Back to top

#10 littlen

NANFA Member

Washington, D.C.

Posted 11 October 2014 - 10:43 AM

Darters are pretty peaceful with one another, and towards other benthic species. I wouldn't worry about adding a few small Stonerollers if that is what your question about overcrowding was aimed towards.

Nick L.