What fungus is this??

**JamesYim** · 11th Jul 2014, 22:54

can someone help ID what fungus this is? its all over my driftwood and i think my java moss is a goner.IMG_2708[1].jpg

**Urban Aquaria** · 11th Jul 2014, 23:33

Looks like the beginnings of hair/thread algae... you can try to physically remove it by using a toothbrush and brushing/twirling it away from the moss and wood. Spot treatment with H202 or Excel can also work, but the moss might also melt in the process.

Algae eating shrimps can help to consume it and clean up the wood and moss. If the tank is cycled, you could try adding amano/yamato shrimps, or even cherry or malayan shrimps (though you'll need more of those to be effective, as they are generally smaller in size and appetite). Don't feed the shrimps at the beginning, let them do their jobs and consume the algae first.

**TheAquarist** · 11th Jul 2014, 23:39

Possible to eradicate thread algae by using the -3 days 99-100% no light- technique?

**Urban Aquaria** · 12th Jul 2014, 00:27

Originally Posted by TheAquarist

Possible to eradicate thread algae by using the -3 days 99-100% no light- technique?

Possible, but usually there is still some remaining and if the tank conditions are still the same they will return back again. Have to find out what is causing it and try to solve the issues to help prevent the algae from returning... could be too much light, too much excess nutrients, high bio-load, not enough plants etc.

**TheAquarist** · 12th Jul 2014, 00:31

Mine is from too much light, because it's an walstad plant tank I place outside where I throw my not used plants. Going to break down the whole tank soon

**JamesYim** · 12th Jul 2014, 00:40

Is the thread algae harmful to fish? Also, will it eventually go off if i don't do anything?

**JamesYim** · 12th Jul 2014, 00:49

Originally Posted by TheAquarist

Mine is from too much light, because it's an walstad plant tank I place outside where I throw my not used plants. Going to break down the whole tank soon

Makes sense now mine might be too much light too.. I installed 3 rows of light

**Urban Aquaria** · 12th Jul 2014, 01:58

Originally Posted by TheAquarist

Mine is from too much light, because it's an walstad plant tank I place outside where I throw my not used plants. Going to break down the whole tank soon

Yeah, outdoor tanks are at the mercy of unpredictable sunlight conditions, much tougher to control compared to indoor tanks.

Originally Posted by JamesYim

Is the thread algae harmful to fish? Also, will it eventually go off if i don't do anything?

The thread algae isn't harmful to fishes or shrimps (some fishes and shrimps actually love to eat it as food), but if allowed to grow too much they can smother plants and outcompete them for nutrients, so eventually the plants deteriorate and the algae takes over the tank, just makes it look unsightly.