4 replies to this topic

[mattknepley]

Ok, I guess technically algae is a critter of some sort, but if it looks like a plant, and grows like a plant, and scrapes off surfaces like a plant...

Anyhow, despite what many think of it, I kinda like the lush waviness of whatever algae this is that has established itself in my 55. Recently the Bluehead Chubs have turned their attention to it, too. They take a big ol' mouthful and violently shake their heads and pull. This is followed by a long period of chewing the stuff up. It's quite bovine-esque, really. Whatever brand of algae this is, I cannot scrape it off the porous surfaces in the tank(it doesn't grow on the glass)but those brutes rip it right up. You can see evidence of their grazing on their rock pile. This is their favorite eatery...

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Adult Etheostoma hopkinsi gives an idea of the scale of the algae's size and how much these dudes get in a mouthful.

[Chasmodes]

I think that it looks natural and beautiful.  

 

I know a lot of people like the sterile look, and more power to them for it as long as they're happy.  I tend to prefer to mimic nature as much as I can, realizing that I ultimately can't.  I can, though, try to fool myself that I have.  I don't want it growing on my glass though.

 

I don't think the fish care about the looks...but if there is a snack available, they certainly benefit from that extra nutrition!

[gerald]

That's Audouinella, one of the few types of freshwater red algae.  aka "black brush algae" (BBA) to hobbyists.  I agree it's quite attractive on rocks and wood - not so much when it covers plant leaves.

[BenCantrell]

That's Audouinella, one of the few types of freshwater red algae.  aka "black brush algae" (BBA) to hobbyists.  I agree it's quite attractive on rocks and wood - not so much when it covers plant leaves.

 

Is this the same thing?

 

 

 

That was my 6 year old logperch, may he rest in peace.

[strat guy]

Matt, Gerald is right, BBA. I get it all over my rocks and driftwood. It is a PAIN when it gets on the plants, and its deadly to slow growing plants like Java fern. Impossible to scrape off. Sometimes it shows up on the edges of my Marble Queen and Amazon sword. I love the way it sways in the current.

 

Ben, I could be wrong, but that actually looks like BGA. It comes in different colors, even red. Nail it with some directed Hydrogen peroxide and see if that takes care of it.