How to remove black brush algae.

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Pyramid_Party

Pyramid_Party

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Aug 6, 2008
4,916
4
68
Monterey, CA
Hi,

WHat is a good way to remove this algae? I was thinking about just cutting the leaves off but would hate to do that since I think it would take awhile to grow back. The affected plant is a C. Wendtii. But it is huge. Some of the leaves are like 15-16 inches long.
 
60 second dip in a water/bleach solution 10 to one mix. Try to keep the roots from getting in the solution. Rinse well and replace into tank the algae will turn white and dissolve in a couple days.
 
My experience hasn't been great with brush algae. The bleach thing never worked for me, and it's not fixing the source of the problem. What are your water parameters? I found that excess nitrates were my issue. I lowered the nitrates and the algae eventually disappeared.
 
What I read was that it is caused by fluctuating C02 levels and/or bad water circulation. I agree with the C02, I am running DIY C02, and dose excel daily too. With the DIY C02 it is not really consistent at times. I have 2 bottles going at once and have them at 7 days apart.

This C. Wendtii is pretty big I'd hate to up root it then give it a bleach bath. It would be a major shock to the plant at this size plus a pain in the butt to replant. I just don;t wanna disturb the tank in that way. But I mayhave to if I really need to. I was thinking of just cutting the leaves off. But how long will it take to grow back to this size? Given the plants size it has a pretty big crown.
 
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