6 replies to this topic

[fishiedave]

Having problems with this brownish hair like algae. I used to have a goldfish that would annihilate it but I rehomed him because he took away from my sunfish. Thinking about getting another goldfish to eat this stuff but would prefer another option.

I have ludwigia and whisteria in the tank so blackout isn't really an option. I've tried reducing light time, and my pleco eats everything but this algae.

Any advice?

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[minorhero]

Algae is a sign something is out of balance. How much light are you keeping on the tank? What is your fertilizer schedule like?

I have never had one but I understand that flag fish eat algae and they are natives. Not sure how big your sunfish is though, they may be too small for your tank.

[gerald]

Looks like Audouinella, technically a red alga, often called "black brush algae".  It can live with surprisingly little light.

[Michmass]

Snails? Might be a double benefit for your tank, cleaners and food.

[Fleendar the Magnificent]

Black brush algae is a pain to get rid of. I have to take my rocks out once a month and scrub them with a clean tooth brush to remove it, but it comes back. The stuff needs very little light to thrive. I have snails in my tank, the native Elimia species, but I am not sure how much algae they can or will eat. Clearly not as much as I have.

[Michmass]

Black brush algae is a pain to get rid of. I have to take my rocks out once a month and scrub them with a clean tooth brush to remove it, but it comes back. The stuff needs very little light to thrive. I have snails in my tank, the native Elimia species, but I am not sure how much algae they can or will eat. Clearly not as much as I have.

Have you  tried the old direct hydrogen peroxide treatment? Use an eye dropper and "spray" it in tiny amounts directly onto the algae while still in the tank.  Good luck! 

[itsme]

Try Stonerollers. They are native, natural coinhabitants with Sunfishes, and are algae specialists. All natural systems have algae. It should not be considered an alien. It's an important part of the lower levels of the food web. Reducing dissolved nutrients will reduce algae. Vascular plants can help with this along with water changes. Flagfish are excellent too, but may be too small for your other fish to not kill.