Egeria densa can prevent blue-green algae

[kelvinlee]

Hi,

From the tropica website the following was mentioned:

Egeria densa is a good plant for beginners, and its rapid growth helps create a balance in the aquarium from the start. It can also help prevent algae because it absorbs a great number of nutrients from the water. The plant secretes antibiotic substances which can help prevent blue-green algae (a type of bacteria). The growth rate depends largely on the amount of light and nutrition available. Growth does not stop in unfavourable conditions, but the plant turns light in colour and the tendrils grow thin.

I would like to know it is effective. Has anyone try it ? Or anyone with egeria densa have no blue-green algae before in the tank ?

[budak]

Egeria densa is a noxious weed in itself and is very difficult to aquascape (grows all over the place)... I am sure in the wild, the plant manages to outcompete or biochemically twart BGA, but it's not a sure solution for aquaria (ditto Hornwort), unless you are just using the plant as a nutrient sponge.

[Plantbrain]

This plant is the biggest submersed headache we have in the state of CA.
I am going to be in charge of dealing with it.
BGA does fine in natural systems with it.

You might be able to take Egeria "juice" and put it into a BGA culture(which species BTW? There are 1000's of species with wide ranges of tolerances) and have it reduce the BGA vs a control.

But in natural live systems or planted tank with other plants etc, this would be very tough to show any significant effect.

The BGA appears for known reasons, poor plant growth(low or absent NO3 levels), low water movement due to clogged filters, lack of water change with CO2 systems and general neglect.

Regards,
Tom Barr

[Plantbrain]

Just got back from our Delta survey of Egeria densa.
I saw 200 miles worth of Egeria, lots covered with BGA.
This is at very high Egeria biomass also.

Hydrilla mats also have lots of BGA.
Ground up Egeria juice might slow some algae, but in practical terms does little in our tanks.

It's nice to think it does, but I've never found much to any plant being able to beat up on algae.

The main way is by out growing the algal infestation or light.

Regards,
Tom Barr

[mUAr_cHEe]

I am just reviving this thread as I also just found out that Egeria Densa has natural properties again Blue-Green Algae. I think this is rather neat.