Aquatic Plant Central - View Single Post - Black rust-like algae formation

Newt · 01-23-2008, 09:23 AM

I have the same problem. It is difficult to control. It is a type of black algae (not the brush type) and belongs to the red algae family. Do not use iron >>> keep it at non-detect levels. SAE's seem to keep it under control but do not eliminate it. Remove heavily affected leaves thru pruning. I read an article on this at www.thekrib.com where the author recommended having the KH higher than the GH. It didnt do much and I went back to a GH of 3 and KH of 1 to 2.

Keep your light bulbs 'fresh': ie linear fluorescents changed out each 6 months and CF/PCs annually. I'd push your CO2 concentrations up some and dont let the NO3 run low as then it will really spread.

01-23-2008, 09:23 AM	#2 (permalink)
Newt Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: between Here and There Posts: 1,036 iTrader Ratings: 9 iTrader Positive Rating: 100% Plant Points: 55500	Re: Black rust-like algae formation I have the same problem. It is difficult to control. It is a type of black algae (not the brush type) and belongs to the red algae family. Do not use iron >>> keep it at non-detect levels. SAE's seem to keep it under control but do not eliminate it. Remove heavily affected leaves thru pruning. I read an article on this at www.thekrib.com where the author recommended having the KH higher than the GH. It didnt do much and I went back to a GH of 3 and KH of 1 to 2. Keep your light bulbs 'fresh': ie linear fluorescents changed out each 6 months and CF/PCs annually. I'd push your CO2 concentrations up some and dont let the NO3 run low as then it will really spread.