help with algae identification

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rgillmatthew

Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Joined
Apr 10, 2020
Messages
10
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
I have attached pictures of the algae I am trying to deal with.
It only seems to attach/grow on the glass, fake plants, and my two fake rock structures. Based on preliminary research I believe I may be dealing with Blue Green Algae. It appears green with some brown on the top of the plants. It comes off the glass in huge sheets with the mag float. It also smells horrible while doing water changes. having said I have noticed my Dwarf Gourami occasionally nibbling at the algae which according to everything I have read fish won't eat Blue Green algae. however the way it seems to be present in my tank and the smell lead me to believe that is what it is. Something else to note is that when I clear the glass with the mag float the water is clear. it is only the glass, plants, and decor.
Any advise for how to take care of the algae would be greatly appriciated
 

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Update

I finally identified it as Blue Green Algae (BGA) a.k.a cyanobacteria. I purchased API® E.M. ERYTHROMYCIN and wrapped the tank in black garbage bags unplugged the light and treated as per the instructions on the box. I did this for 2 weeks feeding my fish every morning. I preformed my weekly water changes. I then preformed a thorough scrubbing and purging of my decor. To manually remove as much BGA as possible. The tank is now fully recovered and I have since added cardinal tetras and got a new 10 gallon for my dwarf gourami who was bulling the tertas. I also got hornwart to try a planted tank and absorb excess nutriant to avoid dealing with BGA.
 

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Last edited:
I finally identified it as Blue Green Algae (BGA) a.k.a cyanobacteria. I purchased API[emoji768] E.M. ERYTHROMYCIN and wrapped the tank in black garbage bags unplugged the light and treated as per the instructions on the box. I did this for 2 weeks feeding my fish every morning. I preformed my weekly water changes. I then preformed a thorough scrubbing and purging of my decor. To manually remove as much BGA as possible. The tank is now fully recovered and I have since added cardinal tetras and got a new 10 gallon for my dwarf gourami who was bulling the tertas. I also got hornwart to try a planted tank and absorb excess nutriant to avoid dealing with BGA.


Nice. Looks great.
 
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