Super Algae

[rmjuza]

In the last couple of weeks a type of algae has begun to grow on the aquarium glass that is impervious to scraping or scrubing. It looks similar to the green/olive/brown forms of algae haze that typically form slowly on the glass requiring weekly or bi-weekly scrubing. Growth is slow and it is only on certain parts of the glass (seems to be in relation to light level) none on substrate or plants. Established tank with no major algae problems. Anyone ever experience this?
Thanks in advance for any insight
rmjuza

[Biollante]

Hi rmjuza,

I will leave the whatzits and whereisiz to my betters. Others can explain the hows, whys and wherefores and tell you, you need more CO2, better dispersed.

Think of me as the night janitor, I don’t know who made the mess or why, I just cleans it up. This is my advice.

Procure:

• A single-edge razor blade in a paint scraper, the kind used for paint removal (new, only for the aquarium).
• A toothbrush stiff or medium is best new or belonging to your roommate or significant other is okay as long as they do not catch you.
• Fleet Enema or store brand, as long as the active ingredient is Sodium Phosphate.
• Distilled or deionized water would be nice but is not essential.
• Turkey baster or water spritzer of some sort.
• Paper towel or clean cloth suitable for use in an aquarium.

Thoroughly and carefully, scrape all of the glass and stay away from the silicone seams.

Remove at least half the water, three-quarters is better. With a toothbrush scrub the seams and any hardscape or surfaces you can reach.

For every 10 gallons of tank volume, mix 2ml of Fleet Enema into 200ml of distilled water (distilled water is not critical.

Sprits or baste the glass (inside) with the solution, wiping the glass thoroughly from top to all the way down under the water to the substrate. Work all the glass and any hardscape or exposed equipment all the way to the substrate.

Refill the tank.

If you can do another big water change in two days, that would be great, if not do not worry.

To be on the safe side to this three weeks.

Biollante

[csmith]

Can this be used on a new tank before filling to preempt the algae without causing any issues?

[Biollante]

Hi,

I see no reason it should cause a problem just separate it from any other dosing by at least a couple of hours.

Biollante

[rmjuza]

Biollante thanks for the advice. Sorry I didn't reply sooner I haven't had a chance to log in for a while.

[Biollante]

Hi,

No problem.

Let us know how it goes.

Good luck,
Biollante