Algae

Socrates

Socrates

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Ok, what's the easiest way to get rid of this nuisance from my tank bottom (it's bare bottom). My water is filtered with a submersible filter, and I have live plants in the tank. Thanks for any suggestions:cool:
 
Hey Socrates, the type of algae you're referring to may be Green Spot (Choleochaete orbicularis). If it's growing on the glass the easiest way to remove it is with a scraper. If it's not that algae, this is a great website to take a look at: http://www.guitarfish.org/algae I'm curious as to what types of plants you are growing without substrate? Is it something like Java Moss or Hornwort?
 
I have moss balls and a floating plant similar to duckweed (I cant remember the scientific name off the top of my head sorry). And I think it's blue green algae (cyanobacteria). I'm guessing that means I have low nitrate levels (which would be good, meaning not much ammonia compounds). So what would be a good fast growing plant? Would elodea or water sprite be a good choice? (plus can those grow without a substrate?)
 
For blue-green algae (or for any other algae), the only thing you can do is to remove it persistently. And keep up with the usual water changes.
http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/Tank_critters.shtml

The fastest growing plant that I know of is java moss. It does not need a substrate.
 
Thanks for the advice! Ya I have been cleaning it out regularly and have been doing frequent water changes. Thanks again for the pointers.
 
Socrates said:
I have moss balls and a floating plant similar to duckweed (I cant remember the scientific name off the top of my head sorry). And I think it's blue green algae (cyanobacteria). I'm guessing that means I have low nitrate levels (which would be good, meaning not much ammonia compounds). So what would be a good fast growing plant? Would elodea or water sprite be a good choice? (plus can those grow without a substrate?)
Click to expand...

Algae, especially blue-green, can be a pain. I agree with all previous posters on how to handle it.

Personally, I dislike elodea. It grows really well with or without a substrate, but it always seems to crash on me after a few months. Then I have a mess of rotting vegetation and unstable water chemistry issues. You may have better luck with it than I, lots of folks here swear by it.

Water sprite is a good one, but it has very bright lighting requirements. It tends to prefer warmer waters to thrive also. I have used it in the past with moderate success.
 
My tank has Mossy Frogs in it and the water is warmer, so then water sprite sounds like the plant to try thanks for the pointers.
 
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