save my anubias

[Charney]

WyldFYa: I have a 48 inch twin fluorescent hood. I believe one bulb is some type a of plant bulb and the other is a normal bulb you would use in one ceiling. Is this not enough light? Before I changed locations the tank literally never had algae.

Cohazard: if i went with buying anacharis how many/much would I need? Would it be a crazy amount? Also are you telling to or not to add fertilizer? I do not use any right now?

 

[Cohazard]

Cohazard: if i went with buying anacharis how many/much would I need? Would it be a crazy amount? Also are you telling to or not to add fertilizer? I do not use any right now?

Since anacharis absorbs a lot of nutrients, it's a good first step trying to solve the problem.

A few bunches would work (3 or 4, which will have appx 5 stems each), and since they're cheap, it will only set you back $8-10.

If that doesnt reduce the algae over a month or so, I personally would try dosing ferts, but if you don't know how, don't bother unless you research dosing ferts and know what you're doing.

 

[WyldFya]

Looks like cyanobacteria (BGA) and black brush/beard algae (BBA) to me.

Neither of those alga are present in the pictures that I see.

 

[WyldFya]

WyldFYa: I have a 48 inch twin fluorescent hood. I believe one bulb is some type a of plant bulb and the other is a normal bulb you would use in one ceiling. Is this not enough light? Before I changed locations the tank literally never had algae.

Cohazard: if i went with buying anacharis how many/much would I need? Would it be a crazy amount? Also are you telling to or not to add fertilizer? I do not use any right now?

Brown algae, which is present in the pictures, is a sign of lighting that isn't intense enough.

 

[WyldFya]

Since anacharis absorbs a lot of nutrients, it's a good first step trying to solve the problem.

A few bunches would work (3 or 4, which will have appx 5 stems each), and since they're cheap, it will only set you back $8-10.

If that doesnt reduce the algae over a month or so, I personally would try dosing ferts, but if you don't know how, don't bother unless you research dosing ferts and know what you're doing.

This may or may not work. With the green algae, it may take an effect, but likely won't. There is an imbalance of nutrients in the tank. Adding more plants may take in the nutrients, or it could make the imbalance worse. I would recommend getting a test kit for phosphates/phosphorus, nitrate, potassium, and if possible iron.

 

[Cohazard]

Neither of those alga are present in the pictures that I see.

So what type of algae is the green stuff in the second and third picture? I'm not too well versed in algae types, but BGA has a fairly unique look, and those pics point to the growth pattern I've seen in FW tanks that had an infestation.



Brown algae can also be caused by high silicates and nitrates. This is an established system, so it's not the silicates, however, you do have a heavy bioload: 4 parrots, oscars, and gt.

They sound small (4" you mentioned), but those cichlids are big waste producers.

What level are your nitrates at? How much water do you change weekly?

Right now, doing 50% WC's weekly is your best bet.


Here's a pic of cyanobacteria (Blue green algae -BGA-) in an aquarium, does this look like the stuff on your java ferns Charney?

HTH

 

[WyldFya]

The alga in the second and third pics looks like plain green algae. Brown alga is rarely caused by high nitrates, due to the growth of higher order alga.

 

[bloodshed]

The algae In your tank has nothing to do with the intensity of the lighting. Anubis grows better in low light conditions. The fastest way to get rid of that algae, is a phosphate remover. If your fish are not to big you could also use otto cats or rubber plecos. they will help control the algae on the leaves of the anubis. If you want to try more plants, you could use jungle val. It also likes low light and eat phosphates likes crazy.

 

[Charney]

I just checked my nitrates. First time I have checked in a while and I was surprised (probably shouldn't be I had exams the last couple of weeks so the tank was not exactly a priority) to see they were pushing 25 mg/l. I normally do ~40% water changes. The water changes happen very regulary till about two weeks before an exam. The algae in the picture does not look anything like the algae I have.
I have always really liked jungle val, how many of them would I need for my 90 to help control phosphates. I always thought they were a moderate to high light plant.

 

[WyldFya]

The algae In your tank has nothing to do with the intensity of the lighting. Anubis grows better in low light conditions. The fastest way to get rid of that algae, is a phosphate remover. If your fish are not to big you could also use otto cats or rubber plecos. they will help control the algae on the leaves of the anubis. If you want to try more plants, you could use jungle val. It also likes low light and eat phosphates likes crazy.

Brown algae is not caused by excess phosphates, and is caused by inadequate intensity of lighting, and silicates. You may want to research what you are talking about before making suggestions.