My GDA is on the plants as well as the glass. It makes it much more of a nuisance. I'm decreasing the photoperiod to see if I can get rid of it.
Truth about Green Dust Algae?
Truth About Green Dust Algae?
My recent experience with GDA leads me to believe that no one knows definitely how to put an end to GDA. That’s ok, it’s a living thing and that makes it complex enough that I can appreciate that it doesn’t fall into the Easy category. Shame on me for thinking, it's a problem (like a flat tire) and I just want instructions on how to fix it.
So, shouldn't we just admit that we don’t know how to get rid of it.
What is the most accurate statement that we can make about GDA?
a. We (the aquarium hobbyist) fully understand the factors that cause GDA and know how to get rid of it. A specific set of directions, if followed will be successful in defeating GDA, 100% guaranteed.
b. We fully understand the factors that cause GDA and know how to get rid of it, but only under certain specific situations and conditions.
c. We do not fully understand the factors that cause GDA, but can offer some suggestions that may or may not work. Successful solutions vary. What works for one individual will not work for everyone.
d. We do not understand the factors that cause GDA and accept that you may not be able to defeat GDA. The best you can hope for is to control GDA by vigilant cleaning and good housekeeping. It is not known why GDA eventually goes away. It appears that it either dies or goes into long dormant states. Neither of which happens as a result of anything that you do.
__________________
My recent experience with GDA leads me to believe that no one knows definitely how to put an end to GDA. That’s ok, it’s a living thing and that makes it complex enough that I can appreciate that it doesn’t fall into the Easy category. Shame on me for thinking, it's a problem (like a flat tire) and I just want instructions on how to fix it.
So, shouldn't we just admit that we don’t know how to get rid of it.
What is the most accurate statement that we can make about GDA?
a. We (the aquarium hobbyist) fully understand the factors that cause GDA and know how to get rid of it. A specific set of directions, if followed will be successful in defeating GDA, 100% guaranteed.
b. We fully understand the factors that cause GDA and know how to get rid of it, but only under certain specific situations and conditions.
c. We do not fully understand the factors that cause GDA, but can offer some suggestions that may or may not work. Successful solutions vary. What works for one individual will not work for everyone.
d. We do not understand the factors that cause GDA and accept that you may not be able to defeat GDA. The best you can hope for is to control GDA by vigilant cleaning and good housekeeping. It is not known why GDA eventually goes away. It appears that it either dies or goes into long dormant states. Neither of which happens as a result of anything that you do.
__________________
21 - 34 of 34 Posts
I'm not sure which green algae is on (some) of my plants. All I know is that it is green. I also cut back on duration and cut out my midday burst. It has helped a bit.
Rub a leave that has it between your fingers. If it's slimy it's likely not GDA and could be a type of BGA (cyanobacteria).I'm not sure which green algae is on (some) of my plants. All I know is that it is green. I also cut back on duration and cut out my midday burst. It has helped a bit.
It is definitely not BGA.
The texture is a bit rough.
I wouldnt recommend touching cyanobacteria as it contains hepatotoxins (liver toxins).
This algae usually only shows up in polluted tanks (high PO4 and other nutrients) and feeds off of light heavy in the yellow/orange zone (~600nm +/-) where phycocyanin peak absorbtion occurs. Neither of which I have. Plus I dont have that manky odor either.
![]()
The texture is a bit rough.
I wouldnt recommend touching cyanobacteria as it contains hepatotoxins (liver toxins).
This algae usually only shows up in polluted tanks (high PO4 and other nutrients) and feeds off of light heavy in the yellow/orange zone (~600nm +/-) where phycocyanin peak absorbtion occurs. Neither of which I have. Plus I dont have that manky odor either.
Newt, just to clarify is that graph for the cyano or for the dust algae? I've never read about that before, pretty interesting stuff, do you have a link to a larger article? I'd like to read more about it.
if it is rough it is more likely another algae and not GSA. Is it flat to the leaf? AC
The graph is for plant photosynthesis absorbtion rates for the different chlorophyll and such that plants use in the photosynthesis process. I think I got this graph off of a university website site that was doing experiments on photosynthesis. Over the years I have collected many different graphs while researching plants and lighting. I'll see if I can find the website. It was a good article as I remember.Newt, just to clarify is that graph for the cyano or for the dust algae? I've never read about that before, pretty interesting stuff, do you have a link to a larger article? I'd like to read more about it.
Not sure what you mean by flat to the leaf. I just call the stuff plain green algae that grows in healthy water.if it is rough it is more likely another algae and not GSA. Is it flat to the leaf? AC
Gsa is very thin and grows like a birthmark on the leaf. It doesn't raise away from the leaf at all. It is flat sort of like a discolouration of the skin. A Dark green mark on the leaves. Normally on Anubias you can see some in even the most perfectly balanced tanks.
If it protrudes from the leaf at all then it isn't GSA.
AC
If it protrudes from the leaf at all then it isn't GSA.
AC
I would say it has a textured surface. The SAE's, Otos and pleco eat it. Its on my Bacopa monneri, anubias and some rocks. It may or may not be all the same species but they are all green. Perhaps it is GDA. I do know I will sometimes get GSA on the rear glass as this is definitely spots and is different than the green stuff on the sides and front of the tank glass.
At any rate I have not conquered this yet.
At any rate I have not conquered this yet.
That means it isn't GSA. Otos won't eat GSA. A picture would enable us to ID it for you 
AC
AC
Thanks.
I'll try to get a pic of the Bacopa this weekend. It's a busy weekend but I'll try to fit it in.
I'll try to get a pic of the Bacopa this weekend. It's a busy weekend but I'll try to fit it in.
Here's a pic of the lower leafs on my Bacopa. Its not showing up anymore on the top since stopping the midday burst.
I'll take cleaning GDA over GSA or BBA any day ^^
My experience with GSA has probably something to do with the intensity of the lighting. Having my halide raised above the tank and other tanks next to the main tank (with the halide), i can see that the side of my other tanks are hit with GSA in certain spots where the Halide beams towards. No big deal, scrub scrub. In my other tanks that do not have halides but t-5's, i have no issues with this algae.
My experience with GSA has probably something to do with the intensity of the lighting. Having my halide raised above the tank and other tanks next to the main tank (with the halide), i can see that the side of my other tanks are hit with GSA in certain spots where the Halide beams towards. No big deal, scrub scrub. In my other tanks that do not have halides but t-5's, i have no issues with this algae.
21 - 34 of 34 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Aquatic Plant Forum
A forum community dedicated to aquatic plant owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about collections, displays, tanks, styles, troubleshooting, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Top Contributors this Month
View All
FernKing
54 Replies
PlentyCoup
31 Replies
johnwesley0
27 Replies
Recommended Communities
