Long-term effects of brush/beard algae

[gm72]

I am having a difficulty time getting rid of some nasty brush/beard algae. I have not removed the decor to spot treat yet and am not losing fish and think it is being established due in part to a light spectrum shift in the old bulbs on the tank. This is in one of my few non-planted tanks.

My question--if such algae were to go unchecked (and it won't--this is asked just out of curiosity), what effect does it have on the water and tank inhabitants? In other words, if I were to just let it go and continue my regular tank maintenance without trying to remove it, what would happen?

Again, this is just out of curiosity. This weekend I am planning on doing all that I can to eradicate it.

Thanks in advance!

[Sharon]

I don't know, but I think I have the same in my 55gal. Mine is black and fuzzy. I've been leaving it, and it's not getting worse. My daughter had BBA and she bought a school of SAEs...problem solved!

[Algenco]

no ill effects

[rich311k]

It wont effect the fish, if anything it will remove excess nutrients. It just bothers us owners.

[Northernguy]

GM have you read this link yet?
http://plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=9
Its a very informative read on algae!

[Algenco]

direct application of Peroxide or Excel will kill it, turn off filters/airstones, etc, wait a few minutes for currents to die, apply with a syringe, wait 5 minutes before turning everything back on, repeat in 48 hrs if needed.

You can also dose the tank with a triple dose of excel every other day (2-3 times)

[Northernguy]

You can also dose the tank with a triple dose of excel every other day (2-3 times)
Will this not grow more green algae?

[Algenco]

Will this not grow more green algae?


I think your confusing Excel with Flourish.
Excel is a carbon source, it is made from a very powerful disinfectant

[Algenco]

or you could get a bunch of SAE, I have a very good supplier if your interested

[Northernguy]

or you could get a bunch of SAE, I have a very good supplier if your interested
lol Mail is too expensive!:hmm3grin2orange:
I did mix up the two! lol I was thinking about Flourish Excel!:hmm3grin2orange:

[Wild Turkey]

Agree with the GC, no ill effects.

I have let it go in a tank before just to kinda see how fast it spread and if I could treat it after. Fish were all happy, occasionally would even try to eat some. (not sae's) go figure.

That severum I had but returned enjoyed eating hair algae now that I think about it. Oddball fish in my area lol

[rich311k]

My sev and angels rip at hair algae all the time.

[Alpo]

it's been invading my small dump tank for almost a year. hasn't gotten worst or hurt anything

[gm72]

Thanks to all for the confirmations.