Black Algae

[mle]

Sorry to post another thread about a topic already being discussed, but I didn't really want to piggy-back...

I have a 29g planted with 1 Anubias, 1 brown/green Wendtti, 1 crypt spiralis, 1 red melon sword, 4 leaf clover, a couple of mystery plants, and some 'lucky bamboo'. The tank is relatively young (8-10 weeks or so) and has had some algae issues from the start, brown diatoms, green dust, and stuff that has either been easy to get rid of or contained to the man made decorations, almost adding to their distressed look, which I like.

Recently I have become worried about a kind of brown/black stuff on my plants that appears slightly fuzzy on thinner plant leaves. I'm worried it is going to kill my plants and suspect is is the dreaded Black Brush Algae. Does this look right? Notice the new leaves at the back of the Anubias are bright green, its the older leaves that become plagued. If it BBA I guess I'm supposed to try dosing Excell, but I have loaches and a black ghost knife, will this be too rough on them?

The Anubias, Spiralis, and Wendtti appear to be the only plants affected at this point, but it looks like one of the mystery plants may be starting to gather some little brown spores or something? Also the Anubias' newer roots look to have a bit of white fuzz all about them. Any ideas?

I have a 17W fluorescent light and peat under my substrate. Do I need a higher light output? Right now I keep it on for about 12 - 14 hours a day. Any adjustments I should think about?

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fishpictures/data/500/thumbs/100_3248.JPG (http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fishpictures/showphoto.php?photo=11705)http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fishpictures/data/500/thumbs/100_3247.JPG (http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fishpictures/showphoto.php?photo=11703)

[plantedlab]

you could try adding some american flag fish, I have had good success with them eating black hair algae. Also adding CO2 allows the plants to use up more available nutrients and lighting avialable, So with enough lighting, this can give them an edge in competing with the algae. Removing the worst covered leaves manually is a good idea too.

[mle]

Thank you so much for the reply! So this most likely black hair algae then? Sounds VERY believable as this stuff is the FUZZ. My anubias is doing no better...I'm thinking of moving it to my QT since it looks so miserable. My Wendtti has REDICULOUS abounts of this dark green/black fuzz on it...seems to grab onto any uneaten food. I've been able to scrape a thick layer off the leaves (which has made them curl) and have been hesitant to cut the worst leaves because that's well...about ALL of them.

I have a LOT of surface aggitation. I've seen suggestions to turn the air off at night? Wouldn't that hurt my fish?? I have an Aquaclear 30 HOB on my 29, but I'm scared that wouldn't be enough.

I'll check my light when I get home. It's nothing special, came with the tank and I've been meaning to upgrade for a long time, but wasn't sure if this would help or hurt the issue.

Thanks again for the input!! I love my plants and don't want them to lose this battle.