IME - excess nutrients is what causes it in my planted tank.
I tried SAE - but they all got eaten in 2 days, poor fishes and have read many mixed opinions and trials using the fish as the main controller
Personally, Ive found more regular water changes and reduced lighting time has reduced it for me in my aquarium. I think phosphorus from certain fish foods increases the phosphates and triggers the growth even though your nitrates maybe quite low (as is the case in my tank)
I have also brushed it off using a tooth brush and air line to siphon the small bits off as its scrubbed off, that helped reduced the larger clumps. Maybe cut the excessive BBA coated plant leaves (if any) off as well.
Some one told me American flagfish and black mollies eat it (unsure how true or why the molly has to be a black variant)
Agreed, its horrible looking stuff, it makes an aquarium look run down.....
Edited by Jules, 13 September 2017 - 04:38 PM.