What kind of algae is this?

[Daubentonia]

I have this algae growing all over my substrate (eco-complete). I can pull it out fairly easily, but it grows back very quickly. does anyone know what kind of algae it is and how I can treat/prevent it? It's growing in my 60 gallon planted with diy CO2 and two T5 HO bulbs.

 

[hennaartist]

To me, it looks like "slime algae". I had this in my tank once and it seemed to come right back, and even worse, within a week of cleaning it.

From the research I did, I was told the only way to get rid of it is to "starve" the tank. So, I first cleaned the tank well, then I covered the tank with a thick blanket, turned the lights off, and didn't feed or even peak in for 4 days (nearly killed me not to check on things). I DID leave the filter and air stone going.

After 4 days of no light and no food, everything was fine. All the fish were alive and plants were okay. The algae hasn't returned, and it's been several months.

 

[Daubentonia]

Thanks, I'll try this! Should remove my diy CO2 while the tank is balcked out?

 

[Daubentonia]

Sorry to bring this post back, but I did the black out and the algae got a lot better, but was not completely gone. The algae has come back, and I can't figure out what's causing it. Any Ideas?

 

[Brookster123]

How long your lights on? Ferts? Glut?

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[Fresh2o]

Post your tank specifics...size, lighting, fert schedule, CO2, plants, etc. Probably an imbalance of one of those. Hopefully we can get it figured out.


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[Daubentonia]

60 gallon with a fluval 306 filter, two T5HO bulbs on for 10 hours, diy co2 (2 2liter soda bottles) and occasionally dosing Seachem Flourish.
Flora:
-Dwarf Sag
-Rotala Rotundifolia
-Ludwigia Repens
-Tiger lotus
-Money wort

Fauna:
-1 Ropefish
-4 Banded Rainbows
-3 SAE's

 

[Fresh2o]

First thing you might want to do is reduce the photoperiod to 6-7 hours and be consistent with the flourish comprehensive. Those T5 HOs put out a lot of light and need adequate ferts and co2 to keep things in balance.


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[Brookster123]

First thing you might want to do is reduce the photoperiod to 6-7 hours and be consistent with the flourish comprehensive. Those T5 HOs put out a lot of light and need adequate ferts and co2 to keep things in balance.


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+1

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[SFAquariums1]

I would recommend doing 4 hours on in the am 4 hours off, and then 4 hours on again. This can be achieved with a cheap timer. I've done this with all my tanks and the plants really seem to love it, and I don't get algae problems!


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[Rivercats]

That appears to be Rhizoclonium algae. It can be caused from poor maintenance, low CO2 levels, too low flow/current, and even low nutrients. Cut lighting down to 6 hours daily. Check nitrate and phosphate levels. Do a 50% WC and keep up on weekly WC's. Add more current into the tank by using a small nano powerhead or two. DIY CO2 is not effective in a 60g tank and would suggest upgrading to pressurized CO2 or using a liquid carbon daily. You also need to look into dosing dry ferts.