black "fur" in tank

[Hedphelym]

the last few days i've spotted something that looks like fur on my plants, what could this be? temp is : 29.1 , and i do waterchanges every week.

is this just and algea, or fungus? harmfull or not?
how to get rid of it?

any help is appreciated :)

[shayesmommy]

do you have pets?
it could be from a cat or dog

[FishLover]

algae is more likely

[revkev]

You have BBA ( black beard alge ) very hard to get rid of ,you could try seachem fourish excel at double doseage the BBA sould turn orange-brown then die see other forums for more imformation.

[shayesmommy]

yah or that. lol.
i wasnt sure but i get that to and its only cat hair. just ruling that out

[Bill T.]

My solution - get some "flying foxes" (Epalzeorhynchus Kallopterus), not to be confused with the "Siameses flying fox". The distinguishing feature is that the dark stipe along the flying fox body extend all the way into the tail fin.
These fish eat the black hairy algae - nice & natural- no need for chemicals in your tank.

[Hedphelym]

thanks, i'll try to get one of those then.
and yes, it's algae, not real fur :)

[Hedphelym]

but why does this get in my tank?
is there something i should be more aware about?

[mcloughlin2]

Its caused from excess light & high phosphate levels :wink:

[Hedphelym]

so, make the light-time lower, and how to get rid of phosphate?

the light could be the fact that my gf never ever closes the curtains, the aquarium is not in direct sunlight, but it's been sunny here the last weeks, so it might be that.


the petshop has the cure for it tomorrow, so i'll get it then.

[Davo]

Siamese algae eaters may eat the BBA but I have my doubts. I had BBA about a year ago and they struggled with it.

The best thing is Seachem Flourish Excel. 2-3 times the recommended dosage and it will be gone within the week.

Dave.

[Nathan]

just be careful because it can have side effects on your fish ive only ever heard it havn problems with discus, so just wanted to make sure you knew before or if u were to use flourish with a higher dosage regime

HTH

[Hedphelym]

well, i've put it into the tank some days ago.
and all is well with the fish.
"Tetra Aqua Algumin"

hope it will get rid of it ;)