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I guess it classifies as a "Red Algae" as it's not green.
The descriptions I read of red algae focuses on the black beard/brush type that they all specify that it's hairy to varying degrees. This is more a crust. Feels bumpy/rough to the touch. Slimy too, though most everything in the tank feels somewhat slimy. Does not scrape off plants well.
It grows on just about anything, in high light and low light areas, high flow and low flow areas. It doesn't really grow on the glass...there's the standard green stuff there which I scrape off. I don't scrape the back glass and this stuff does grow there...but really is growing on top of the regular green stuff which was taken over by this stuff.
It comes off the glass and hardscape by rubbing a filter sponge on it (my standard cleaning material).
Swordtails and a Rainbow Shark eat at it.
What is it? How do I get rid of it? If it's a variety of the oft mentioned black beard stuff, there's a wealth of information on dealing with it I can probably figure out myself. Any method best suited to this type?
Tank is 55g fairly heavily planted. 1.85 WPG of flourescent strip (2 cheap daylight bulbs and one All Glass factory bulb). Fairly heavy fish load...but Nitrates and Phosphates are at very minimal levels. I probably should, but don't fertilize at all...other than feeding the fish and their poop. PH and KH are probably high...using old 5 in one test strips for them, so likely not very accurate but 7.8 ph and top end KH. I've got a 4 bottle DIY CO2 thing going...but since I'm not denting the PH, likely still need to work on that.
any thoughts?
