Green Mat Algae?

[srozell]

I've posted a picture of some algae growing on some Riccia fluitans in one of my tanks. Could someone please confirm what type of algae this is?

This is growing in one of my non-co2 tanks, and since I don't get this algae in my CO2 tanks I'm assuming that's the missing element.

Any info on this algae would be appreciated.

http://www.barrreport.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=170&c=12

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: Green Mat Algae?

BGA, Cyanobacteria, specifically Oscillitoria spledens.


See 3 day blackout + KNO3 additions and then add more KNO3 afterwards.

Very common in tanks with high light/CO2 etc.
You bottomed out your NO3's.

The blackout will kill it, and the NO3 addition will prevent it from coming back.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[srozell]

Re: Green Mat Algae?

This tank gets a dose of KNO3 every 2 days.

As a reminder this is a NON CO2 tank. It is also low light. 1 watt/gallon.

That being said I have started a 3 day black out with extra KNO3.

I'll update in 3 days.

Thanks Tom.

 

[aquabillpers]

Re: Green Mat Algae?

I have often got BGA in new, soil-based tanks. After the plants start growing, they outcompete the BGA and it goes away, sometimes with a little help.

BGA will return after the blackout if the inbalance that caused it isn't fixed.

Bill

 

[srozell]

Re: Green Mat Algae?

This isn't a soil tank.

I would be more concerned about the limited carbon source except all my tanks are getting fitted with CO2 in the next couple months.

I believe the tank is probably underplanted at this time.

 

[srozell]

Re: Green Mat Algae?

I have to leave for a few days so I uncovered the tank with this algae in. Already it's all dead. Good advice, thank you. Looks great.

I'm adding KNO3 and am eager to see what I find when I get back.

 

[Simpte]

Re: Green Mat Algae?

I recently "acquired" some bga in my 75. High light (260 watts pc) and co2 enriched. I also add KNo3 every day. Po4 was upped due to gsa and the result was a bottomed out KNo3.

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: Green Mat Algae?

I believe the tank is probably underplanted at this time.

Then you will have issues no matter what.
You start a tank out ruight, then you do not have algae issues in the start up.

One of the best things you can do: add lots of plants from day one.
You'll want to change this.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[pigwiggle]

Re: Green Mat Algae?

I developed a bad case of BGA while trying to use the PMDD method. When I recently discovered and started using Tom’s IE method the BGA turned a dark green/black and recede. Concerned about the effect of excessive NO3 on my fish I’ve been testing quite frequently. The BGA die off correlated with the increase in NO3 levels (~10ppm). My NO3 levels with the PMDD method were undetectable.

Oh, my tank is a bit underplanted as well.

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: Green Mat Algae?

I have stated the NO3 increase will prevent it from coming back and that low NO3 will induce BGA.

This is true for most cases. There are other cases that also correlate such as dirty filters, excess organic matter etc.

The method I suggest works, but there are always potentially other causitive factors.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[fosteder]

Re: Green Mat Algae?

My last experience with BGA was definitely from dirty filters etc. Plenty of NO3, ut I hadn't cleaned the filter in a while....