What algae is this?

[clapperz]

I changed the bulbs on my 19 gallon tank the other week, as i had constant brown algae, so i assumed the bulbs were done. (second hand tank).

I swapped them for 2 plant growth bulbs, now i have a different kind of algae. Its like a Thick dark green slime, that forms in patches. I'd clean it at night, and it'll be back 24 hours later.

Anything i can do to get rid of this stuff?

Brackish tank, housing a 2" Green spotted puffer. I've only got 2 small bunches of java fern, could do with some more plants really, but didnt have too much luck with the others i tried. That was before the bulb swap though.
Maybe there's too much light? (i doubt it.)




I know the tank isn't very clean, its a constant battle im losing at the moment.

 

[redtailshark1]

cut back on the hours the light is on

 

[clapperz]

cut back on the hours the light is on

Thanks for your reply. The lights are on for 9 hours a day, even less than this? I don't think that's too excessive. Do you know what type of algae it is?
I'd like to be sure of the cause before reducing light hours more.
Thanks again
Rob

 

[Cecropia]

Cyanobacteria....it sucks.

Being in a brakish tank i'd guess it's a salt resistant strain. Pain in the but to remove. It has just reappeared in my tank after dosing with maracyn for 2 weeks.

 

[kevincao]

no need for all the hard work, get diatom d-1 or diatom vertex XL, water will be so clear that your tank would look as if is empty, LITERALLY. check their results out on the filtration and tank setup forum

 

[brackishdude]

I changed the bulbs on my 19 gallon tank the other week, as i had constant brown algae, so i assumed the bulbs were done. (second hand tank).

I swapped them for 2 plant growth bulbs, now i have a different kind of algae. Its like a Thick dark green slime, that forms in patches. I'd clean it at night, and it'll be back 24 hours later.

Anything i can do to get rid of this stuff?

Brackish tank, housing a 2" Green spotted puffer. I've only got 2 small bunches of java fern, could do with some more plants really, but didnt have too much luck with the others i tried. That was before the bulb swap though.
Maybe there's too much light? (i doubt it.)




I know the tank isn't very clean, its a constant battle im losing at the moment.

Just ride it out, man.

I had the same problem with my brackish tank when I first set it up. Lasted several months, and then just burned itself out. I presume either it exhausted some key nutrient, or it was out-competed as the tank's biomass/microbial-mileu reached equilibrium.

You've altered the nature of energy delivery into the tank (wavelength and intensity of the light) and the algae is taking advantage. THe rest of the tank will catch up. Just ride it out. . .

I actually grew to like it. I just kept the glass clean, and elsewhere it added an authentic "natural" look. It mainly just grew on the sand substate, though, so if it's really taking over your tank, all bets are off.

I don't think I had my nerite snails at the time, but my experience has been that they'll eat everything that's green (except plants), and they are happiest in lower-half brackish. Giev'm a try. THey are voracious. I've bought them from both AZaquatics and ebay and been happy.