blackish peeling algae

[---XR---]

i posted this here because FYA knows his stuff, now on the back of one of my larger tanks, there is some what i beleive to be algae, it has turned a very very dark green or even black color, and it's starting to peel of the back of my tank when the fish rub against it,etc. now is it harmful?, what kind is it?, and can it be prevented-it's very ugly, i makes i look like my black backround is peeling off, sorta.lol

thanks guys

 

[frasertheking]

blue green algae .
evil stuff not sure how to cure it .

 

[WyldFya]

Can you get a picture? Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is what it sounds like, but this is generally only seen on the bottom of the fish tank.

 

[---XR---]

best pic old pic i could get, i can't find a camera- it's the algae on the back of the tank behind the jag you can see it starting to peel, it's very blackish

 

[---XR---]

it's also really thick now, for algae it's thick anyways

 

[thatonegirl]

If it is cyano a little more water movement will help (and it never hurts!). Maybe an internal Fluval Plus filter (I love my 4 Plus), or an airstone or powerhead. What you feed your fish can sometimes contribute to some really ugly types of algae. Have your water tested for phosphates. If you have phosphates you can get chemical filter pads that will remove them for fairly cheap.

 

[---XR---]

If it is cyano a little more water movement will help (and it never hurts!). Maybe an internal Fluval Plus filter (I love my 4 Plus), or an airstone or powerhead. What you feed your fish can sometimes contribute to some really ugly types of algae. Have your water tested for phosphates. If you have phosphates you can get chemical filter pads that will remove them for fairly cheap.

i was planning on buying to large powerheads this week anyways so that's good. i feed them a mix of hikari gold/staple pellets.

 

[Andrewtfw]

Cyano will grow on all surfaces. It is most often observed carpeting portions of the gravel, but it is not limited to this location in the aquarium. Maracyn tablets will kill it. I would begin with a half-dosage since your fish are not sick). You should see results in a couple of days.
Definately increase the water movement and (possibly) water changes.