Fuzzy algae..

[Troy Bruder]

Hello,

I recently have been treated to a "fuzzy algae" growth all over my plants..
I need some help in identifying the type of algae it is, and how best to
treat it..

I run a UV sterilizer 24x7, but I'm starting to think that maybe the bulb
isn't working (I bought it used and was told the bulb was only three weeks
old).. Hmmmm...

Can anyone help me identify the algae type I have, and a recommended course
of action?

Thanks!
Troy

[Ozdude]

"Troy Bruder" > wrote in message
...
> Hello,
>
> I recently have been treated to a "fuzzy algae" growth all over my
> plants.. I need some help in identifying the type of algae it is, and how
> best to treat it..
>
> I run a UV sterilizer 24x7, but I'm starting to think that maybe the bulb
> isn't working (I bought it used and was told the bulb was only three weeks
> old).. Hmmmm...
>
> Can anyone help me identify the algae type I have, and a recommended
> course of action?

Well, you could start by giving more information.

What colour is it? How long? What do the strands (if any) look like?

Oz

[Nikki Casali]

Troy Bruder wrote:
> Can anyone help me identify the algae type I have, and a recommended course
> of action?

All your questions answered:
http://www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=9

And more information here than you will ever need:
http://mikes-machine.mine.nu/algae_gallery.htm

Nikki

[Nikki Casali]

Troy Bruder wrote:

> I run a UV sterilizer 24x7, but I'm starting to think that maybe the bulb
> isn't working (I bought it used and was told the bulb was only three weeks
> old).. Hmmmm...

BTW, I also have had a UV sterilizer running 24x7 with a new tube and it
apparently makes no visible impact on the fuzz algae stuff. It will only
cure green water, destroy suspended algae, reduce spores etc.

Nikki

[Richard Sexton]

In article >,
Ozdude > wrote:
>
>"Troy Bruder" > wrote in message
...
>> Hello,
>>
>> I recently have been treated to a "fuzzy algae" growth all over my
>> plants.. I need some help in identifying the type of algae it is, and how
>> best to treat it..
>>
>> I run a UV sterilizer 24x7, but I'm starting to think that maybe the bulb
>> isn't working (I bought it used and was told the bulb was only three weeks
>> old).. Hmmmm...
>>
>> Can anyone help me identify the algae type I have, and a recommended
>> course of action?
>
>Well, you could start by giving more information.
>
>What colour is it? How long? What do the strands (if any) look like?

Lemme guess, it's bright green and looks like razor stubble but longer;
lots of tiny stalks sticking straight up from the surface of plant
leaves near the light?

--
Need Mercedes parts ? - http://parts.mbz.org
http://www.mbz.org | Mercedes Mailing lists: http://lists.mbz.org
633CSi 250SE/C 300SD | Killies, killi.net, Crypts, aquaria.net
1970 280SE, 72 280SE | Old wris****ches http://watches.list.mbz.org

[Shagster]

Ok... It looks a very light green, and appears to be in hair-like
strands... Without posting a pic, does that help?


"Ozdude" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Troy Bruder" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Hello,
>>
>> I recently have been treated to a "fuzzy algae" growth all over my
>> plants.. I need some help in identifying the type of algae it is, and how
>> best to treat it..
>>
>> I run a UV sterilizer 24x7, but I'm starting to think that maybe the bulb
>> isn't working (I bought it used and was told the bulb was only three
>> weeks old).. Hmmmm...
>>
>> Can anyone help me identify the algae type I have, and a recommended
>> course of action?
>
> Well, you could start by giving more information.
>
> What colour is it? How long? What do the strands (if any) look like?
>
> Oz
>

[Shagster]

Nope! Very pale green, almost greyish.. But in short hair like strands..


"Richard Sexton" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> Ozdude > wrote:
>>
>>"Troy Bruder" > wrote in message
...
>>> Hello,
>>>
>>> I recently have been treated to a "fuzzy algae" growth all over my
>>> plants.. I need some help in identifying the type of algae it is, and
>>> how
>>> best to treat it..
>>>
>>> I run a UV sterilizer 24x7, but I'm starting to think that maybe the
>>> bulb
>>> isn't working (I bought it used and was told the bulb was only three
>>> weeks
>>> old).. Hmmmm...
>>>
>>> Can anyone help me identify the algae type I have, and a recommended
>>> course of action?
>>
>>Well, you could start by giving more information.
>>
>>What colour is it? How long? What do the strands (if any) look like?
>
> Lemme guess, it's bright green and looks like razor stubble but longer;
> lots of tiny stalks sticking straight up from the surface of plant
> leaves near the light?
>
> --
> Need Mercedes parts ? - http://parts.mbz.org
> http://www.mbz.org | Mercedes Mailing lists: http://lists.mbz.org
> 633CSi 250SE/C 300SD | Killies, killi.net, Crypts, aquaria.net
> 1970 280SE, 72 280SE | Old wris****ches http://watches.list.mbz.org

[Ozdude]

"Shagster" > wrote in message
...
> Ok... It looks a very light green, and appears to be in hair-like
> strands... Without posting a pic, does that help?

Yep. sounds like Staghorn ;)

Oz

[Robert Flory]

"Shagster" > wrote in message
...
> That is an EXCELLENT site! Ugh, I think I have a little bit of just about
> everything... But the stuff I'm most concerned about appears to be Thread
> algae...
>
> Thanks!
>
Most algae problems can be solved long term by properly balancing nutrients,
CO2 and light. I wiped out a world class growth of BBAand green thread
algae with increase in CO2, nitrates, potassium and traces adn pruning ...
ala Tom Barr. It took some time but the jungle is okay now ;-)
Bob

[Ozdude]

"Robert Flory" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Shagster" > wrote in message
> ...
>> That is an EXCELLENT site! Ugh, I think I have a little bit of just
>> about everything... But the stuff I'm most concerned about appears to be
>> Thread algae...
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
> Most algae problems can be solved long term by properly balancing
> nutrients, CO2 and light. I wiped out a world class growth of BBAand
> green thread algae with increase in CO2, nitrates, potassium and traces
> adn pruning ... ala Tom Barr. It took some time but the jungle is okay
> now ;-)
> Bob

In my experience, what you are stating is very true.

I found the biggest algae "starter" is over feeding fish food. So once you
get this sorted it's a fairly easy thing to get everything else in balance.
I also think it's healthy to allow some green fuzz on rocks and wood, mainly
for the algae eaters, but it also looks good.

It's looks horrible though if there are large areas of glass covered in the
stuff, and indicative that something needs to be blanced in the tank ;)

Oz
>
>