Are certain plants more susceptible to algae?

[cbong]

I have been trying my hands on hairgrass for the last six months. Been getting a very nice lawn in my 2 x 2 feet tank. However, BBA seems to like hairgrass more than the other plants in the same tank. The japonica don't seem to get any. Hairgrass also seem to have the same problem in my office tank. Are they more susceptible?

[kadios]

I heard that some people comb their hairgrass every week to get rid of the algae. I did not have problem with my hairgrass since keeping them for close to 2 years ago or perhaps I did not see them! =P

Do you mean algae at the bottom of the HG or near the tips. I think more likely the former, right? If that's the case, try combing it to see if it helps.

Cheers!

[Justikanz]

Some plants are slower growing and so attracts algae... That's what I'd read... And the reason why nanas and hairgrass seem to be algae magnets, while most stemmed plants can remain algae free...

[taz_boy]

truely agree, slow growing plants are algae magnets, my nana got black spots on them, now my Vallis also kanna BBA, sianz man!

[|squee|]

Hairgrass needs good water circulation.

[valice]

btw, wat exactly are the black spots tat are commonly found on nanas? are they dead green spots algae?

[XnSdVd]

squee's right.... in the wild they're found in sections of fast flowing streams that recieve lots of direct sunlight. Why?

Sunlight: Hairgrass needs alot of light because of the shape of their leaves. The hair-like structure, while good for surviving fast currents, isn't very good for taking up light. Hence the need for stronger lighting.

Fast current: Hairgrass doesn't need it to grow as much as it needs the current to constantly dislodge the spores and silt that would normally get stuck in it's dense leaves. And if the plant spends less energy fighting off algae it'll have more energy to grow. They're living things too you know...

[cbong]

Hairgrass needs good water circulation.

Hummm, this is news! Have not thought of that before. Ok, will increase the circulation to see if it helps. Thanks!

[|squee|]

It's the same for other plants... don't have too much though. Mechanical stress isn't good for them too.

valice, I've never seen those black spots but they could be some sort of BBA. Check your CO2 if it's a new problem.

[valice]

definitely not bba...
dunno what also... it is only happens after there is green spots on my nana...
so think should be dead algae... hee...

[taz_boy]

i also have black spots on my nanas....even though they nv receive direct light...think up ur co2 can liao