Black stringy algae getting worse help please

[xrboy_85]

Hey all

got a question regarding this blackish looking hair algae appearing in my tank,

tank is 425 ltrs fairly well planted, has 7 discus
temp 28
ph6.5
kh.80ppm
iron 0ish something im trying to fix

i use no ferts

water changes= 180 ish ltrs every 2-3 days.
lighting 4ft 4x54 t5's and run most days now for about 6-8 hrs some days 2tubes run all day then the other come on for about 3 hrs.

c02 is pumping 1bps

any help would be greatley appreciated
Tia Justin

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z182/xrboy_85/Picture001.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z182/xrboy_85/Picture002.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z182/xrboy_85/Picture003.jpg

[jesx57]

By looking at the pictures, I'd say that's the start of Black brush algae. Sadly, it's very difficult to get rid of (trust me, I'm fighting the same battle myself). usually caused by fluctuating CO2 levels, phosphates, even your lighting could be encouraging it (that's why its good to change your lightbulbs every 6 months).

There are several methods of getting rid of it, but its more like controlling methods rather than a solution. You could try shrimps, I've heard Darwin Algae Eating Shrimps have ate it. Also, upping your Co2 to 30 ppm (don't know how discus would fare though).

Another method is to double dose with Excel or Dinospit, it just turns the algae red, but I haven't tried this method yet. But basically, this sort of algae is caused by an imbalance. Once you find that imbalance and correct it, your algae should subside.

Best of luck. :)

[ILLUSN]

once red its DEAD double dosin excell is effective, as is upping co2

[xrboy_85]

i do turn the c02 off at night is that what you mean by c02 fluctuation??

i did have a battle with a phosphate spike in the last tank which was overcome by some filter media. maybe its time to pull it out and bake it in the oven.

ill try that and maybe do a black out once i figure out what the imbalance is.

could the regulator or solonoid be causing the c02 flucuation i have only bought it 2nd hand recentley??

Thanks Justin

[ILLUSN]

no the reg wont cause fluctuaqton, turning it off at night might though, a quick ph test before lights on and lights off will tell you, if your using CO2 try adding a single strength dose of florish excell for 3 days, i think it will die off.

[xrboy_85]

Cheers Jothy