Green Stuff

[ashley]

Hi Everyone,
Has anyone got any ideas on this green Algae, I have got growing on the substrate, of my tank.
It isnt growing anywhere else, only on the sand.
I vac it off, and it re-appearse 2-3 days later.
When I disturb it it rolls up into a clump, and floats around the tank until it gets sucked into the filter intake.
I have never seen this type of algae before.
Perhaps someone could enlighten me as to the type, so I can have a go at getting rid of it.

Ashley

[JQW]

Hi,

It's cyanobacteria, also known as blue green algae.
Usually caused by excess amount of nutrients, especially phosphate.
Also promoted by long period of light.

Potential cure: Black out the tank completely for a few days, decrese light after wards.

Test for phosphate, if phosphate level is high, use a phosphate adsorbing media in your filter, liquid molecular suspension filter for phosphate is NOT recommended, it might have more negative effect.

Good luck,

Battling BGA can be tough, I'm having same problem, but worse, my phosphate level is over the roof.


Cheers,
Jim

[jcarlilesiu]

Cyano also doesn't like water circulation. This stuff usually pops up when you have some dead areas in the tank. Addition of a small power head aimed at these locations might help.

[ashley]

Thanks for the reply's,

I will vac out the buildup I now have and give it the dark treatment.

I think I know what bought this on.

It may have something to do with the el cheapo fert sticks I got from the local supermarket that I was informed were ok for aquairiums. Not so apparently.

As soon as I saw this buildup I syphoned the sticks out, but there was obviously some residue left in the sand that I didnt remove. It may take some time before I rid this tank of all of the old sticks.

All part of the learning curve I guess, but I must say Im having a ball keeping these fish.

I have since purchased some JBL fert balls that I am now useing with great sucsses.

Also here are some recent pis of my fish.

Ashley.

[aks]

NIce fish man

[nicholas76]

May also suggest your tank is still cycling ( if its new )

What are your nitrate readings?

[oscar]

Regarding Phosphates..if you're using SeaChem Discus Buffer, you're putting phosphates in yourself.

Oscar.

BTW what are "vert sticks"?

[ashley]

Hi Guys
Nicholas, this tank is well and truly cycled, I set it up in March.
Nitrates are near undetectable, 0.0-5.0
Oscar, fertaliser sticks that you put under your plants for the roots to feed on.
Sorry (vert sticks) that was a spelling mistake.

Ashley

[nicholas76]

that makes things pretty interesting Ashley keep us posted mate

[oscar]

Fert sticks is can deal with...vert stick had me a little confused.