Algae on driftwood

[mozesyap]

Hi guys,
Anyone has the problem of having hair like algae growing on the driftwood? Is there any way to control it?

My plants are doing okay, just the wood, doubt that dosing / CO2 will solve the problem, no plants to compete with them there.

Thanks in advance.

[barmby]

What I will do is: check and crank up the CO2 if necessary. Add more plants, preferably fast growing ones. I believe something else is in excess, so algae is growing. Rule of thumb:

Check CO2 first, then
Macro
Micro

Lastly, 50% water change weekly. Adjust fertilizer dosage accordingly.

It is nothing new, as algae always hit the non living thing first in a tank. Look at the tank at Nature Aquarium, the pipings from the filtration system has got BBA covered...

As long as it does not spread and get a foothold, then it is fine. And keep disturbing them!!

[Plantbrain]

Shrimp and bushy nose, rubber nose plecos pick it clean.
I'll take the piece out and clean it once a month or two.
Large pieces can be peroxided/H2O2 when doing a water change.

Regards,
Tom Barr

[mozesyap]

Thanks for the advise guys.

I am taking the wood out for a good "back" scrub, and see if the algae grows back.

Then start checking my water condition if necessary

[lorba]

Generally problem could be insufficient of Co2 and inadequate fert with too much light.

I solved this problem in 2 small tanks by increasing co2 (24hr), increase K and fertilization and lights remains. You can do this if you have fast growing stem plants.

[mozesyap]

Algae still grows back, and are now infecting my plants...

That could be the problem... too much light... I am using 2 X 36 Watt PL light for a 2 feet tank, the optimal should be about 50+ Watt.

I know that's too high, but it seems that the normal PL light for 2 feet tanks usually comes in 36Watt, i was using 36 Watt and decided to buy another light, so it is either 36 or 72.... Not sure what to do about this now

Temperature seems too high also around 30C

Currently trying to increase KH and CO2 without changing Ph too much... and dosing some seachem nitrogen...
See if it helps

[ranmasatome]

Moze...get soem green shrimp or yamato....they will clean up taht stuff within a week...

[mozesyap]

I got about 10 yamatos down there... sigh...
I guess the algae was growing too fast for them to clear
Still waiting to see if the increased co2 and KH is useful

[juggler]

Thanks for the advise guys.

I am taking the wood out for a good "back" scrub, and see if the algae grows back.

Then start checking my water condition if necessary

One good way of scrubbing it off is to use the metal wool you use for your pots and pans. It really scrapes away those stubborn algae.

[|squee|]

One good way of scrubbing it off is to use the metal wool you use for your pots and pans. It really scrapes away those stubborn algae.

Never thought of that. Thanks!