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 #2049618


Si2187
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 Fungus problem

Hey my tanks been set up with no problems for about a year now but recently a black hairy/fur has been growing on some of the plants and rocks im just wondering how to get rid of it? i tried simply brushing it off but its as if its part of the leaf/rock and im having to rip it off, all the fungus treatments in my local pet shop only refer to fish treatment rather than water/plant treatment any ideas how to get rid of it? its spreading pretty fast. thanks
08/02/09  02:56pm

 #2052679


Tpau15
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   Message To: Si2187   In reference to Message Id: 2049618


 Fungus problem

That sounds like Cyanobacteria growth. It can come in a few colors, including: black, bright green, and red. If your fish eat this, they can die; it is toxic.

Do you gravel vacuum your tank at all? Usually, compacted, waste laden gravel is the culprit to your problem. Cyanobacteria love low oxygen, high nutrient/chemical waste environments.

You won’t find a "cure" at any store for your problem, as it is not fungus, and it’s not happening to the fish in your tank. Better tank maintenance will help to get rid of the problem. By gravel vacuuming not only get rid of the waste product from the gravel, you also perform a partial water change, lowering the chemical levels in the water. You can also add conditioning/aquarium salt to the water if you have brackish water tolerant fish (most fish are.) Loaches and other scale-less fish are not brackish water tolerant. The conditioning salt can help deter Cyanobacteria. Having an excellent filtration system will also help deter the Cyanobacteria. It would help oxygenate the water better and remove more of the waste product more quickly from the tank.

-tpau15



08/07/09  01:28pm

 #2053685


Bellle_foudre
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   Message To: Tpau15   In reference to Message Id: 2052679


 Fungus problem

To me that sounds like black algae. If that is the case there is something you can do to combat it. For starters algae blooms occur from excess nutrients in the water/ light. Easy solution to this, start doing more water changes, and maybe try a black out. Start with giving your tank a nice big water change, wait a few days then do another, then tank a blanket or towel and cover the tank as to not let any light inside. If you can keep this over the tank for about 4 days, most of the algae should be dead and easily removed. And if this is what it is, the only safe way to keep it under control is to keep your water clean, and reduce the light
08/09/09  01:32pm

 #2053720


Cobra 82
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   Message To: Si2187   In reference to Message Id: 2049618


 Fungus problem

Any pics of it?
08/09/09  02:53pm

 #2053769


Tpau15
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   Message To: Cobra 82   In reference to Message Id: 2053720


 Fungus problem

For clarification, "black algae" is the common name for that particular Cyanobacteria growth.

-tpau15
08/09/09  04:05pm


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