Black algae - need help with identification

Marcel G

Banned
Jun 5, 2012
173
17
18
Czech Republic
Hi, my friend have some black algae in his tank. He has it on the Echinodorus leaves, on Vallisneria and some other plants. Also the algae is on some equipment (spray bar + in the corners of the tank). It seems to me that it could be related to a too-low-light problem. He fertilizes according to Estimative Index, and uses pressurized CO2. He changes 50% of water each week also.

Please, can you help me identify this kind of algae (see photos) and what could be the possible cause of it?

My friend's tank specifications:
Tank volume: 30G
Light: 2x30W T8 (Philips Master bulbs)
PAR: 20-25 umol (at the substrate), 50 umol (middle), 120 umol (just under the the water surface)

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niru

Lifetime Charter Member
Lifetime Member
Sep 23, 2011
14
0
1
51
Basel, Switzerland
Hello Kwisatz

I too have this same algae, and Tom suggested its GDA, turned black. It seems its related to CO2 issues. I have recently tried to fix this CO2 distribution, and am waiting for results.. Cant help much on this, but am interested in any replies to your question.

cheers
niru