Fish died after putting moss like terrestrial algae in tank

[royalbijoyjoy.ashokan@gma]

I had a terrible day with all 20 of my cichlids dead. My tank and the inhabitants have been with me for a year and a half now. Last week when I went to my parents place, I noticed a wet area behind the house with lots of algae on rocks. It was like a velvet sheet( like Christmas moss) and somehow made me think it would look good inside my tank. I put it in the tank in the night and early morning everyone looked fine and enthusiastic as usual. Came back from work in the evening and everything dead. I suspect the algae had started growing in the presence of lights(mine is a heavily planted tank) and released toxins.

Does anyone know about algae being toxic to fish? I had the most beautiful African cichlids and they are all gone now. I know it was a real bad idea to introduce terrestrial algae in my tanks, but I had to learn it the hard way.

[Anka]

Unlucky, but not a very smart move.

Always a bad idea to put something in your tank if you don't know if it's safe.

The algae could have had contaminents that spilled into the tank.

[ArnieArnie]

Don't think algae is a cause don't think toxins can be released that fast. Probably something else in moss like heavy metals.

[1077]

Wet area behind the house indicates low area where runoff possibly collect's.
Depending on surrounding terrain,(agricultural,industrial) could have been pesticides,fertilizer's,chemical,etc if these have been used in the area or on lawn's surrounding this area.
Could easily affect fishes quite quickly in my view.
Is also a good way to bring parasites to your tank (flukes,fish lice,anchorworms) but these would not kill as quickly.

[slowly]

I hope this may offer some solice, but your loss has a leason I will recall anytime I see a plant or any object to add in my tank...I will think long and hard before making such addition thanks to you...Slow