Help with Algae I.D.

by **Shell** Sun Sep 22, 2013 6:04 pm

We have "frizzy" dark algae-like stuff growing from the driftwood in the 220. It is very tough and will not budge when using the vacuum. Is this black beard? I took two pics - as always, so sorry they are not good and clear, but hopefully good enough to give you an idea. I've compared it to pics online and it kind of looks like black beard, but then it also looks like a few other kinds of algae. Any help will be appreciated - Thanks!

by caoder Sun Sep 22, 2013 7:04 pm

looks like black beard algae (bba), you can treat using a spot treatment of H2O2 in small doses with the filters off. ... Driftwood tends to be BBA magnet.

by **Shell** Mon Sep 23, 2013 5:43 am

caoder wrote:looks like black beard algae (bba), you can treat using a spot treatment of H2O2 in small doses with the filters off. ... Driftwood tends to be BBA magnet.

Darn - a tiny part of me thought I'd never run into this stuff Crying or Very sad

by caoder Mon Sep 23, 2013 6:03 am

its not too difficult to treat. Especially if you are able to take the piece out and give a good soak.

by **Shell** Mon Sep 23, 2013 6:26 am

If I were to take the piece out and give a it a soak, would I still have to treat the water? My gut tells me yes, as I assume it is already lurking "in there," but I figure there is no harm in asking!!

by alexmtl Mon Sep 23, 2013 6:36 am

caoder wrote:looks like black beard algae (bba), you can treat using a spot treatment of H2O2 in small doses with the filters off. ... Driftwood tends to be BBA magnet.

Can I use the dollar store hydrogen peroxide ? I have tons of 10mL plastic syringes. If anyone needs some I can ship.

by caoder Mon Sep 23, 2013 7:59 am

Only treat the affected piece. If you see it elsewhere you should manually remove it.

And Alex I would like some of those 10 ml sryinges.. i keep loosing mine!

Dollar store h202 is fine. It generally has no other additives. Just look on the label for H2O2 with no other additives.

by alexmtl Mon Sep 23, 2013 8:18 am

caoder wrote:
And Alex I would like some of those 10 ml sryinges.. i keep loosing mine!

I will put aside 10 for you. We should meet up soon. Do you have more riccia ?

by **Shell** Sun Oct 20, 2013 10:35 am

Thought I'd share an interesting update: since treating the tank with Ich-X, the bba is completely gone Very Happy

by the clean guy Sun Oct 20, 2013 3:25 pm

That's great news no one likes bba Smile

by **Shell** Tue Oct 22, 2013 9:33 am

the dirt guy wrote:That's great news no one likes bba

Yep - but, it kind of makes me wonder about the strength of these meds...sort of freaks me out that it can kill off algae...I'm glad we only used a half dose for the fish!