Aquarium Algae Control

[Carl]

I have updated the "Aquarium & Pond Answers" article about algae control

In particular in dealing with difficult to control Black Beard Algae (aka BBA)

More evidence is showing correct PUR/PAR lighting plays a major role in control of this often frustrating algae.
Use of top notch lights such as the GroBeam LED lighting can help control this algae.

Reference:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2008/04/aquarium-algae.html

Product Resource:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/LEDLights.html

Carl

[Carl]

I have updated the Aquarium/Pond Answers article about aquarium algae control

Here is a quote from the section about Diatoms (aka brown algae)
"Brown Algae is not considered a true algae as per many biologists, rather a diatom. However under the 5 Kingdom classification system both Brown Diatoms and more common algae fall into the "grab bag" Kingdom; "Proctotista", although Brown Diatom Algae fall into the division Bacillariophyceae.


What is also noteworthy is there is evidence of some diatom "algae" as a green colored slime like algae instead of the much more common brown diatom algae that is a common problem with new aquariums.
This has been called "Green Snot Algae" (scientific name Didymosphenia geminata) and is becoming more common in streams just under the surface and/or covering rocks (pictured to the right).
Also commonly known as didymo, this is a rapidly spreading invasive species of diatom."

Reference:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2008/04/aquarium-algae.html

Carl

[Carl]

I have updated the Aquarium/Pond Answers article about Aquarium Algae.

In particular, a section within the summary dealing with whole tank generic algae treatment.

Here is an excerpt:
"Whole Tank Algae Treatment using H2O2 & Glutaral Dehyde
Sometimes simply "nuking" your planted tank is the most simple way to get rid of unwanted algae, regardless of the cause.

Here is a method from:
PlantedTank.net: The "One-Two Punch" Whole Tank Algae Treatment

Flow is essential for success here.
Adding extra power heads for flow is advised (or even air bars/stones) .
If your only source of flow, water movement are your filters, you will have to temporarily remove the filter media to a bucket of tank water, and leave the filters on.

If you have Marimo balls, temporarily remove them to a bucket of tank water as well.
Cladophora is very hardy, and normally not affected by whole tank H2O2 (Hydrogen Peroxide) treatments. But this treatment can burn them badly, especially on sides exposed to direct flow. If they're also infested with undesirable algae, they can be treated simply by keeping them in the bucket in a dark place for a week. Cladophora can tolerate extremely long blackouts without harm, unlike other algae.

Keep the lights on. Light has no effect on the H2O2, but is helpful in observing your results.

Now add 3% H2O2, at a dosage of 4 tablespoon per 10 Gallons (38 liters) of actual tank water volume (excluding substrate, plants, etc).

Allow to circulate for 15 minutes. During this time, redirect flow a few times if possible, to make sure all areas get covered. If you have particular trouble spots, try to ensure they get direct flow during part of the treatment.

Now terminate the treatment, followed by a 50% water change, or more. Return the tank to its normal configuration, including replacing filter media if it was removed.

Less hardy algae may be effectively killed by this alone, especially if flow was good. But all algae will be weakened.

Any remaining algae not killed by the H2O2 is now extremely susceptible to Glutaral Dehyde (AAP/NilocG Enhance or SeaChem Flourish Excel). Product Source: AAP/NilocG Enhance; Glutaral Dehyde

If you weren't already using Glutaral Dehyde, or were using it at the recommended dose, add NilocG 's recommended "after water change" high dose of 5ml per 10 Gallons. No further large doses are necessary in this case. Algae builds up some tolerance to Glutaral Dehyde, similar to sensitive plants like Vallisneria. In this case, the H2O2 treatment followed by a single, sudden Excel spike is enough to quickly finish algae off.

If you were already using Glutaral Dehyde high doses, continue using the previous dose.

Your aquarium should now be algae free!
If there are any underlying problems that caused the algae outbreak in the first place, correct them so your tank stays algae-free. In some cases, a thorough algae removal like this is enough to improve plant health to the point where algae will not return assuming proper parameters, ferts, light, and carbon dosing."

Reference:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2008/04/aquarium-algae.html#H2O2

Carl