This site is supported by the advertisements on it, please disable your AdBlocker so we can continue to provide you with the quality content you expect.
  1. We are after as many aquarium plant images that we can get, doing so will assist us in completing the aquarium plant database.

    https://barrreport.com/threads/aquatic-plant-images-wanted.14374/
    Dismiss Notice

Green Mat Algae?

Discussion in 'Algae Control' started by srozell, May 18, 2005.

  1. srozell

    srozell Guru Class Expert

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2005
    Messages:
    110
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    5:43 AM
    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
     
    #1 srozell, May 18, 2005
  2. Tom Barr

    Tom Barr Founder
    Staff Member Administrator

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2005
    Messages:
    18,678
    Likes Received:
    682
    Local Time:
    5:43 AM
    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
     
    #2 Tom Barr, May 18, 2005
  3. srozell

    srozell Guru Class Expert

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2005
    Messages:
    110
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    5:43 AM
    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.
     
    #3 srozell, May 18, 2005
  4. aquabillpers

    aquabillpers Lifetime Charter Member
    Lifetime Member

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2005
    Messages:
    639
    Likes Received:
    3
    Local Time:
    5:43 AM
    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
     
    #4 aquabillpers, May 18, 2005
  5. srozell

    srozell Guru Class Expert

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2005
    Messages:
    110
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    5:43 AM
    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.
     
    #5 srozell, May 18, 2005
  6. srozell

    srozell Guru Class Expert

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2005
    Messages:
    110
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    5:43 AM
    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.
     
    #6 srozell, May 20, 2005
  7. Simpte

    Simpte Prolific Poster

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2005
    Messages:
    76
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    5:43 AM
    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.
     
    #7 Simpte, Feb 7, 2006
  8. Tom Barr

    Tom Barr Founder
    Staff Member Administrator

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2005
    Messages:
    18,678
    Likes Received:
    682
    Local Time:
    5:43 AM
    Re: Green Mat Algae?

    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
     
    #8 Tom Barr, Feb 7, 2006
  9. pigwiggle

    pigwiggle Junior Poster

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2006
    Messages:
    13
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    5:43 AM
    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.
     
    #9 pigwiggle, Feb 7, 2006
  10. Tom Barr

    Tom Barr Founder
    Staff Member Administrator

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2005
    Messages:
    18,678
    Likes Received:
    682
    Local Time:
    5:43 AM
    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
     
    #10 Tom Barr, Feb 7, 2006
  11. fosteder

    fosteder Guru Class Expert

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2005
    Messages:
    123
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    5:43 AM
    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.... :(
     
    #11 fosteder, Feb 8, 2006
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Loading...
Similar Threads - Green Mat Algae
  1. Homer_Simpson

    Yamato Green For Trace with EI

    Homer_Simpson, Feb 7, 2008, in forum: Estimative Index
    Replies:
    3
    Views:
    183
    Tom Barr
    Feb 7, 2008
  2. mexicatz

    Wanted: Rotala Sp. Green And Bacopa Caroliniana

    mexicatz, Jan 2, 2019, in forum: Trades, swaps, sales
    Replies:
    0
    Views:
    465
    mexicatz
    Jan 2, 2019
  3. Abu

    What Is In Ada Green Brighty Neutral K?

    Abu, Nov 7, 2018, in forum: Aquatic Plant Fertilization
    Replies:
    2
    Views:
    283
    Abu
    Nov 7, 2018
  4. joraan

    For Sale: Red And Green!

    joraan, Sep 16, 2018, in forum: Trades, swaps, sales
    Replies:
    4
    Views:
    497
    joraan
    Oct 21, 2018
  5. zchauvin

    Green Hair Algae

    zchauvin, Aug 24, 2018, in forum: CO2 Enrichment
    Replies:
    0
    Views:
    367
    zchauvin
    Aug 24, 2018

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice