hornwort and algae

[TeutonJon78]

I've been reading that hornwort will release some compounds that limit algae growth. Anyone know any more details?

I've got 3 otos in my 12 gallon and one stem of hornwort and wanted to add more, but the otos need the algae to eat, so I don't want to stop it all.

Should I remove even the one strand of hornwort?

 

[TeutonJon78]

I guess it's also important to add that just want brown algae, and not the others.

 

[malkore]

many plants release Allelopathic compounds which are a form of bio warfare, which in turn stunt other plants, and algae growth.

brown diatoms are not true algae and aren't affected by allelo-chemicals.
even so, I don't think 1 bunch of hornwort would have a major impact on any algae growth. If you had high light and CO2, such that the hornwort was growing like crazy, then you might see the algae blocking benefits.

 

[Maillis]

I think I have black beard algae growing ON my hornwort floating at the top of the tank.