Removing algae from live plants?

[BassetsForBrown]

Hi,

Algae has been appearing on my java fern. Plecos aren't eating it. Any thoughts on how to deal with it besides cutting off the leaves?

Thanks

 

[YankeeJack]

I wonder if you have hair algae. If so, tough to get rid of. You'd need something like a American Flagfish to eat it up. Otherwise, you'll have to keep clipping it off. It gets everywhere .

Got a pic?

 

[Kvandy]

Take the plants out and wash them off and then add more plants to compete with the algae for nutrients. Other things to consider is lighting schedule, changing the distance between the light and the top of the tank.

 

[BassetsForBrown]

Since they are all attached to driftwood, would moving the entire piece into a bin of water/algaecide for a few days kill the algae without damaging the plants?

 

[Serpentine]

Swordtails will eat hair algae for you. So will mollies.

To keep it from coming back, though, I agree with Kvandy.

 

[PhishMon84]

I’ve heard of ppl spraying the algae with hydrogen peroxide then placing it back in water it becomes edible but don’t quote me

 

[Kvandy]

Since they are all attached to driftwood, would moving the entire piece into a bin of water/algaecide for a few days kill the algae without damaging the plants?

Take the entire piece out and run the plants under water or place in a bin of water and with your fingers gently rub the algae off each leaf. Leaving your plants in a bin for a few days while you totally black out the tank would also help with algae control.

 

[skjl47]

Hello; There are a number of types of algae and a wide range of fish keeper's tolerance for algae.
Some fishkeepers do not want any algae at all which is a bit unrealistic and others are fine with a lot of it around. That said there are a few algae types that are unsightly and one that is down right a serious problem.
So before giving out suggestions it will be helpful to have a description of the algae type you have and also your general tolerance for the stuff.

 

[kno4te]

Algae can be scrubbed off as already mentioned. Java fern don’t need direct light and high intensity. So if u move the plant around it may help. The type of algae is important as skjl47 has stated. Pics would help.

 

[Itsadeepbluesea]

Depends on the type of algae, but for many types you can gently rub the leaf between your fingers and it will come right off, with out detriment to the plant.