Black Beard Algea

[wvgdiscus]

I found this on another web site. I hope it will someone.


Type of Algae                       Cause                                       Solution
Black Beard Algae (BBA)       Low CO2                                    Add CO2, trim, spot treat with Excel
Blue Green Algae (BGA)        Low nitrate                                 Blackout + add nitrate
Cladophora                          Low nitrate + Low CO2                Add nitrate, add CO2
Diatoms                               Excess silicates,                          Low light Wait, add catfish, use RO water/sponge
Green Dust Algae (GDA)       Spores                                       Wait out life cycle, remove + WC
Green Spot Algae (GSA)        Low phosphate (+ Low CO2?)      Add phosphate, possibly add more CO2
Green Water (GW)                Ammonia + high light                  Reduce light, Wait, Small WC, UV filter
Hair Algae                            Excess nutrients, silicates            WC, Excel, is something limited?
Milky Water                          Bacteria bloom                           Wait out, protect filter, add fish slowly
Staghorn                             Ammonia + low CO2                   Remove, WC, protect filter, Excel
String Algae                         Excess nutrients                         WC + get biofilter working

[logan5]

Re: Black Beard Algea

Awesome ... fighting what I think is black beard algae right now.  Just started pressurized Co2 (Thanks Cache!) so hope a more constant Co2 supply will help.

Logan5

[Mzungu]

Re: Black Beard Algea

 Thanks for posting that! Great reference.

One thing I still can't understand, what is the difference between:
1) Cladophora
2) String Algae
3) Hair Algae

Here is my possibly erroneous knowledge: Moss balls are a species of caldophora? Another species is popular here in N. America in lakes and such (for some reason, the Great Lakes come to mind)? Hair algae is longer, coarser, and attaches itself more strongly to surfaces (i.e. plant leaves, tank walls...) than string algae? Help?

Logan5 - hope that CO2 quickly makes a difference!  :)

[logan5]

Re: Black Beard Algea

I hope so too ... still a little confused about getting the proper amount of Co2 ... or at least determining it.  

Logan5

[daisymac]

Re: Black Beard Algea

Mzungu,

I think I have posted this site before, but look at this and see if it helps you.

http://www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=9

From what I gather on the caldophora is that it is a nuisance algae in the Great Lakes, but is also an ornamental algae ball for your tank. I don't believe it is moss balls, but very similar in appearance.

Daisy

[Mzungu]

Re: Black Beard Algea

Yes, you have posted that link before, but I forgot! You're right, that's a good one as well. But ack, now there's more! Brush, staghorn, thread, fuzz, beard, hair...Hmm, maybe I'll start looking for scientific names...no more common name confusion!