black stuff growing on moss

**dwgi32** · 21st Sep 2007, 09:03

Hi,

Recently, i found that there are black pad of matter growing on my peacock moss and it don't look like black algae to me. I tried to remove it by rubbing the moss but it is not effective. Does anyone have such experience, please advise!

**moss_guy** · 22nd Sep 2007, 07:23

Think is bba due to low & unstable co2 level. Increase your co2 to higher level then monitor.

**feide** · 27th Sep 2009, 23:27

Originally Posted by dwgi32

Hi,

Recently, i found that there are black pad of matter growing on my peacock moss and it don't look like black algae to me. I tried to remove it by rubbing the moss but it is not effective. Does anyone have such experience, please advise!

Pardon for digging up an old post. I am facing a similar problem. Black stuff appearing on the tips of my moss, it can be rubbed away, feels like dirt / mulm to me... Though the moss are still growing and appears healthy.
Any advise?

**StanChung** · 28th Sep 2009, 21:50

This is troublesome. I think it's some sort of algae. I trim the moss but it regrows and gets the black tips again. Frustrating.

**felix_fx2** · 29th Sep 2009, 16:42

Hi Stan,
Check with you the fronds which grew that way. Did they die off?

Check this link: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Moss-A...t-It&id=781272

An extract from the site

You will be able to take out the moss by use of
ferrous sulfate monohydrate better sold under several name brands. This will result in
the moss turning black in color and ,by the directions,entirely vanishing from sight.

**feide** · 29th Sep 2009, 18:02

Thanks felix for the info. But in our case the moss are growing well.. so I doubt it is ferrous sulfate monohydrate.

Hi Stan,
Same case here, I trim to no avail...
is your bio load high? I am just guessing as I have quite a lot of fauna in my tank.
I am now trying to increase my flowrate and see if it help...

**StanChung** · 29th Sep 2009, 19:28

The bioload was pretty high.
The fronds did not die off. It just kept growing but with black tips.
I've taken out most of the fishes and bleached the rocks, trimmed all the plants. [overhauled the tank]
Cleaning the last filter today. All I've done is try to give the tank a fresh start.

I believe some types of fish food may be the cause. Too rich especially those high protein content or 'carnivore' pellets.

The condition in my small planted nano where I feed beefheart is even worse. There seems to be gelatinous black stuff everywhere. yuck.[overhaul also-sigh]

Felix-that article is referring to terrestrial gardens, not sure it's applicable in this case.

**feide** · 29th Sep 2009, 20:17

Hi Stan
Same thing here, the fronds are growing but with the unsightly black tips.
Now that you mention about fish food.. I am also feeding my fishes with a cocktail of high protein diet (pallets from Nutrafin, NLS, DoctorAqua plus some others).
I recall the situation getting worse when I added NLS in the diet...

**felix_fx2** · 29th Sep 2009, 22:43

Stan: what a relief, for a moment i was thinking that the garden thing also applicable to aquarium.

feide: i am happy cause i am currently waiting *patiently* for my singapore moss to grow

Maybe ask The Biotope guy if he knows such instances?