Green algae (glass only)

[grey_fox]

Hi all,

Been some time since I last posted. I was away on a work-related trip overseas and when I came back to Singapore, I was pleased to see that the plants are still fine there are traces of BBA & a bit of hair algae which were promptly removed of course.

Only issue now is that there is this green algae on the glass and it happens to only affect the front of the glass, it does not come in spots (GSA) but like a sheen of algae. I have scrubbed this off but it comes back after a day or two.

[dc88]

I recall Tom has a method to treat this.
http://fins.actwin.com/aquatic-plant.../msg00011.html

[valice]

It probably is Green Dust Algae (GDA)...

[richietay]

Mine keep growing back on 3rd or 4th day after cleaning. Had to clean it every weekly during water change.

[Nicky]

I believe Tom's method is a tried and proven one. If you want a quick (but NOT totally effective fix) for a special occasion such as your relative coming to visit, you can try to change water but wipe the green dust off the glass only when it is above the water level, as the water draw out occurs.

Use a clean cloth and do many many runs to the basin after wiping off the green dust in one clean sweep. You will also notice that the green dust will even stick to the side of your white basin as you rinse your cloth.

As the water level draws to a low enough level, quickly wipe the glass in a motion that drives the spores to the outlet of the water-changing-pipes.

This method is NOT totally effective in eradicating the green dust (becaause the remaining spores will still be around in your tank) but it sure is a quick fix to prepare your tank for a special occasion at home.

[firethorn]

Does Tom have any pics of this?

Is it very green and only appears when you put a background to compare it with.. like your hand on the glass..?

[anttz]

xian. I'm facing this problem as well. Have to clean frequently.

[PeterGwee]

Let it finish its life cycle before wiping it off. It may look real ugly once the glass gets covered but resist the temptation to remove it and wait. Once it starts to form patches and harden, you can remove safely. A UV filter after the cleaning job helps to remove the remaining potential of re-infection.

Regards
Peter Gwee

[Plantbrain]

Read the link, it works from SG to Germany to the USA.
Done it a few times and most everyone has no issues.

You leave it be for 3 weeks basically, don't touch it.
That's the hard part.
After it starts to slough off, then you wipe and cleam well with a good size water changes right after.

If you have folks coming over etc, clean it, but then you have to start all over again.

This is the only known cure method at this time.

Seems to be a very useful method and you cannot beat the cost: free.

But some clown will come along in a few months and claim to have
discovered the "secret, just add this product for 3 weeks till the alga
puckers up and begins to slough away, then wipe".


All I'd have to do is put DI water in the bottle and tell folks it
takes 3 weeks to work:-)


And..........there is a desperate (their favorite kind) sucker born
every minute.


When you see someone selling this, and I can bet you will, rip them to
pieces for me.
I identified the species and the ecological life stage that made it
preplexing to many in the plant tank hobby. Then figured out the life
stages virulence time frame to get rid of it with a simple wipe 3 weeks
later. I could ask for 30$ for the DI water in a bottle maybe add some PO4 to not feel quite so guilty

Aquaschisters and arm chair aquarist love to talk, just don't be fooled
by their BS:-)
Nerites and the SAE's did not really do much to it(I've had many of
these present in GDA tanks), the alga sloughs off anyway, they just
sped it up th slouughing rather than doing any real damage, without
first going through that stage, the alga would simply grow back
rapidly.

You'll note, most of my advice is dirt cheap, free and effective.
That helps folks, not the fresh pressed snake oils.

Regards,
Tom Barr

[grey_fox]

Yup, that's what I am currently doing now. I am leaving it the hell alone for the time being. As much as I would LOVE to rub it all off during my weekly water change, I am refraining from doing so.

I'll update this thread in 2-3 weeks time.

[Ah_ZhaN]

How about those green-spot looking algaes that attached themselves onto driftwood or rocks ? Do you guys leave it or brush it off ?

[oblivion]

How about those green-spot looking algaes that attached themselves onto driftwood or rocks ? Do you guys leave it or brush it off ?

personally i think it makes my bare rocks and bare dw parts look more natural, so i leave it there
gives them a more worn weathered natural look.
i don't touch it if it doesn't start affecting my plants, gravel, equipment and tank glass wall

[dc88]

Those are green spot algae. If on the tank glass can scrap it off with a credit card. Its a sign that your tank are low in P relative to N (i.e. in the P-limited zone of the N:P ratio)
But need not bother too much to strive an optimal N:P ratio. Just make sure all are non-limiting. Up the P dosage in this case.
Some time could also be poor water circulation if it only appears at certain dead spot.

Well, at least that was what I was told from the experts.