Eradicate/remove algae that is below substrate level?

[ralliart12]

Don't know why the image cannot show, but here it is: link

Any fellows can provide me some advice on how I can eradicate/remove algae that is beneath the substrate level? Currently this tank is under-going a 2-week black-out period, & is in fact, water-less. Is there anything further I can do?

[Shadow]

Help you to shop the picture.

Since no water you can just scrap it. or you can pour H2O2 on it.

[ralliart12]

[QUOTE=Shadow;650530]...Since no water you can just scrap it. or you can pour H2O2 on it...QUOTE]

By "scrap it", do you mean use a sharp surface to scrap it, or as in throw away the substrate? But even if it's the former, they (the algae) are sandwiched between the substrate & the glass, even if I loosen it, it's not easy to extract upwards & outwards?

Is Hydrogen Peroxide a cleaner & absolutely safer solution? I will still like to use this substrate in the future, & while theorectically H2O2 oxidises into oxygen & water, I am concerned if any remmnants/"coatings" remain, it may affect the future usability of the substrate.

[Shadow]

H2O2 is safe, you can even use it to spot treatment BBA while the fauna is around of course not over dose. However, since your tank is empty can dose whatever you want.

[ralliart12]

H2O2 is safe, you can even use it to spot treatment BBA while the fauna is around of course not over dose. However, since your tank is empty can dose whatever you want.

If I soak the entire substrate with H2O2 & leave the solution there to slowly evaporate, will the nutrients in my soil be adversely affected? When I flooded the tank in a month or so, will remnants of H2O2 make the water unsafe? But even if I use H2O2, the algae on the glass walls & beneath the substrate-level, will still be stuck there right?

[felix_fx2]

If I soak the entire substrate with H2O2 & leave the solution there to slowly evaporate, will the nutrients in my soil be adversely affected? When I flooded the tank in a month or so, will remnants of H2O2 make the water unsafe? But even if I use H2O2, the algae on the glass walls & beneath the substrate-level, will still be stuck there right?

is this for the HC tank? i recall the problems you had with it before...

[Shadow]

If I soak the entire substrate with H2O2 & leave the solution there to slowly evaporate, will the nutrients in my soil be adversely affected? When I flooded the tank in a month or so, will remnants of H2O2 make the water unsafe? But even if I use H2O2, the algae on the glass walls & beneath the substrate-level, will still be stuck there right?

Probably yes, will affect your soil somehow because H2O2 is basically bleach. They call it oxygen bleach.

The should not be algae under the substrate because no light. What you have on the side glass is BGA which only survive if there is light.

[ralliart12]

Probably yes, will affect your soil somehow because H2O2 is basically bleach. They call it oxygen bleach...

In that case, I'll prefer not to use it.

...The should not be algae under the substrate because no light. What you have on the side glass is BGA which only survive if there is light.

BGA, as in blue green algae? As in cyanobacteria? How should I remove them then? Suppose I remove all sources of light & moisture for 2-weeks, will that do the trick, i.e. prevent spreading & get them rotting? But that wouldn't physically remove them from sticking on my side-glass right?

[Shadow]

My preferred way is using expired card. Move the soil away from the glass and use card to scrap the algae. You can clear the drop algae at the bottom using wet cloth, just wipe it.

Black out does not work when it dry.

[ralliart12]

My preferred way is using expired card. Move the soil away from the glass and use card to scrap the algae. You can clear the drop algae at the bottom using wet cloth, just wipe it...

Will the dry & dirty glass surface be prone to scratches even if using an old plastic card to scrap the algae?

...Black out does not work when it dry.

May I know why? I was under the impression that no water & no light will most likely kill them? Then may I know what else will work?

[Shadow]

Maybe will scratch if sand particle stuck on the card while you move it around.

Its a bacteria, it will form a cyst when it dry and stay dormand until come across good environtment and start to florish again

[ralliart12]

Maybe will scratch if sand particle stuck on the card while you move it around.

Its a bacteria, it will form a cyst when it dry and stay dormand until come across good environtment and start to florish again

Wow, then I guess I'm pretty stuck then. Keep the entire tank bone-dry, the bacteria can "shield" itself to attack later; if I leave the algae there, when the tank gets flooded, fauna also get physically eat the algae. Looks like I am in a crappy predicament.

[stormhawk]

I have this algae as well, but it's not an eyesore, at least to me. I regard it as part of the whole setup. Some people just get a piece of Oyama paper and cover the the area, like a border on a picture.

[felix_fx2]

There is this hardware shop over in ubi (near to mahabodi primary) selling shorter oyama paper. The sizes more like your normal duct tape. You can consider to use those.

For me, I normally do nothing unless hand too itchy.

[ralliart12]

...Some people just get a piece of Oyama paper and cover the the area, like a border on a picture.

Well, just for the record, I think this is a fantastic work-around, i.e. the end-result will make the front view of the tank resemble one of those photographs with "letterbox" black bars.

[stormhawk]

It's the lazy man's method to covering an "unsightly" view.

[xconnect.]

Can use vinegar?

[stormhawk]

You can try, or with freshly squeeze lime juice, but I'd advise you to move the substrate back a little away from the front glass so there is space to work. Use a sponge or some absorbent cloth to clear any spills from these acids.

[ralliart12]

Anyway, some photos of the aftermath:

algae_front.jpg

algae_side.jpg

[felix_fx2]

Did you use bleach or lime?
Need to soak for a while then can slowly scrape out using fingernail or card.

IMO, this type very hard to remove in a short while. Don't get discouraged, keep doing it will come out.