Algae ID?...Black beard?...IDK...Please help

[supanic4]

I have an 80 gallon Lake Tanganyikan Aquarium with some Anubias and 2 Amazon Swords (I know the Swords aren't perfect for my pH; its an 'experiment'). My driftwood has been covered in the areas that are closer to the lights and have a stronger current by this hairish-grassy-dark algae. In addition to the driftwood, my Anubias seems to have a decent amount of the algae on its leaves. However, as you can see below, the newer leaves tend to be 'cleaner' than the older ones. I've heard 'Black beard algae' before but I am not sure. I would GREATLY appreciate it if I could get some help identifying what kind of algae this is (or algaeS). I would appreciate it even more if I could also hear some feedback on different techniques to combat this unsightly 'thing' in my aquarium. Pictures are below as well as my aquarium specs. Please feel free to ask whatever you need to help figure this out with me.

Thanks in advance,
Rudy


80 Gallon Tanganyikan:

• pH: 7.8-8.3

• Temperature: 78.5ºF - 80.5ºF

• Filtration: Fluval FX5

- a smaller power head is also used to help keep circulation and for added aeration​

• Lights: single LED strip 'Skyye Light': 24 x 1 watt, 48", daylight - 14k (model number: 6414)

- the light sits about 5-6 inches above the water surface
- the light is on for 11.5 hours per day​

• Every water change I use the recommended doses for Seachem "Cichlid Lake Salt", "Ph Buffer", "Cichlid Trace", Flourish, and "Clarity"

• I do not have a CO2 setup but have interest in getting one (any recommendations on this thought?)

• Water changes of about 15-20 gallons are performed roughly every 7 days

Please ask if you can think of any other specs/stats that would help you out.
​

'Mystery Algae' on Top-Left Driftwood:



'Mystery Algae' on Top-Middle Driftwood:



'Mystery Algae' on Mid-Left Anubias:



Photo Displaying Algae Contrast Between Older and Newer (larger middle leaves) Anubias Leaves:



Overall 80 Gallon Setup:

 

[Fat Homer]

Definitely looks like black beard algae to me... As for ways to get rid of it, is manual removal a possibility?


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[supanic4]

Thanks for the confirmation. The only way I can think of manual removal being possible would be by drying out all the driftwood and then taking sandpaper to it lol...this stuff is tough...its like its super glued to the wood.

 

[Fat Homer]

Then the only other method i can think of i to get a syringe filled with the appropriate amount of Flourish Excel and dose it directly over the problem areas...

The only problem with this is i dont know if it works in killing this type of algae?


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[HybridHerp]

Excel is used for killing BBA. But that much BBA generally means you have some carbon difficiencies. Apparently, with good flow and co2 it stps spreading, but what is already where will still need to be manually removed.

For sure get it off of those anubias leafs though. And try and get as much off of the wood as you can. I've been fighting against BBA in my 75 for a while now too, so I'll letcha know if I find anything useful.

 

[joe jaskot]

Definitely black beard algae. Very hard to eradicate once it takes hold. The only fish I know of that eats it is the florida flag fish. You can also kill it with hydrogen peroxide dosed with a syringe. When my anubias plants get covered with black beard algae, I put them in my scud (grammarus) tank and they remove it all overnight. Good luck trying to get rid of it.

 

[supanic4]

Definitely black beard algae. Very hard to eradicate once it takes hold. The only fish I know of that eats it is the florida flag fish. You can also kill it with hydrogen peroxide dosed with a syringe. When my anubias plants get covered with black beard algae, I put them in my scud (grammarus) tank and they remove it all overnight. Good luck trying to get rid of it.

I have done some more research on this flag fish you speak of...seems like a very viable option. I would like to try it out, I am all for avoiding additives if possible. Now I just need to find a place that sells em..thanks for the tip.


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[supanic4]

Excel is used for killing BBA. But that much BBA generally means you have some carbon difficiencies. Apparently, with good flow and co2 it stps spreading, but what is already where will still need to be manually removed.

For sure get it off of those anubias leafs though. And try and get as much off of the wood as you can. I've been fighting against BBA in my 75 for a while now too, so I'll letcha know if I find anything useful.

Thanks for the help, I don't have a co2 setup but I am very interested in getting one. Is there any recommendation you can give me or good resource to go to? I am looking for something good but not over the top...any info that you think is crucial to be aware of when using a co2 system for the first time would be great to hear to!

- if anyone has some insight on this I'd LOVE to hear it!

Thanks!


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[jstehman]

Good ole black beard algae. Hydrogen peroxide is the cheapest method for destroying the algae on hard stuff like wood and rocks.

I would just trim off the anubias leaves. They will not recover.

Plantedtank.net has some great resources if you're looking into co2.

Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right.

 

[joe jaskot]

I would just trim off the anubias leaves. They will not recover.

If you put the anubias plants in a tank of scuds (grammarus) they would clean all the black beard algae off the leaves in a day or two.