6 replies to this topic

[Hooked]

Hi gang,

I found this very informative article online re Algae Identification and thought the overall information contained may be helpful to relative "planted newbies" such as myself. I've just acquired three beautiful large pieces of Anubias Nana, thanks to bigjohnnofish, the size of large bunches of grapes and I'm in the process of treating for Black Beard Algae that is on them. I've just started treating with 50% Hydrogen Peroxide solution at the dose rate of 3mls/100lts of tank water. You can spot treat with it to if careful. (suggest you do a search to look up the correct process before trying with Hydrogen Peroxide solution and its worth noting that HP is sold in all sorts of strengths such as 3%, 6%, 50% etc. Make sure you understand what strength is being used with a suggested dose rate.)
I had heard about the use of Flourish Excel also and may try that too later. Its just good to have the info in the article to get an understanding of what these often suggested Algae treatments actually do, why they work and ways to try to avoid the algae in the first place.

Full credit to the author DUSKO BOJIC from Sweden.

http://www.aquariuma...logspot.com.au/


Cheers

[Craig]

Spot doing peroxide is ok but I prefer gluteraldehyde (excel or dino spit) because its less harsh and has added side benefits.

I hope you are not spot dosing at 50%, that would be very risky!

[Hooked]

Hi Craig,

Hope alls going well with you mate. No spot dosing at all as yet. Just the 3mls of 50% HP/100 litres of tank water (diluted in a bucket before pouring slowly into tank). Also I started with a 3mls/10 litre "dip" (10 mins duration) in a bucket, before putting it in the quarantine tank. There seems to be a lot of trial and error with the treatments on-line and definitely want anyone trying it to make sure the info they are following is clear about the strength of HP used in relation to the dose rate suggested.
One of the treatments you recommended, the Excell is also suggested by the author of the link. I think if I'd found it earlier I too probably would have started with Excell over the Hydrogen Peroxide.

Those crypts I got from you a while back mate are going well. : )


Cheers

[Kleinz]

Tried the glute with little success. Used the peroxide at 3ml per 100l @ 50% solution. Good results in short term, but it grew back once this was discontinued. Changed the lighting intensity/spectrum and it's all but gone.

It only really liked one of my tanks and refused to live in the others despite sharing nets etc, so I think now that it's just a case of ascertaining if you have a tank BBA likes and then changing something so the BBA does not find t so hospitable.

[Hooked]

Hi Kleinz,

I think my original BBA in my display is from to long a light period also with inadequate Co2 and inadequate nutrients. I have some Flourish Excell and Flourish nutrients coming and going to start slow as I'm only really just planting out fully now. It will be interesting to see what happens. I'm thinking about the possible addition of some Siamese Algae Eaters and possibly some snails? I'm not a big fan of snails but in fairness I don't really know much about them. I wont be adding them before a LOT more research : )

Thanks,

Cheers

[Flash Pleco]

Thanks Hooked, that was a very informative article, and diagnosing what algae types I have also tells me what else I'm doing wrong with my tank!
Such a delicate balancing act!

[Hooked]

Hi Flash,

you are most welcome. I have Discus, just got shrimp and am now getting into plants. There's always something happening! : )

Have a great weekend,

Cheers