Arrrggg...blackbeard algae

**Lab_Rat** · 01-04-2010, 03:53 PM

I hate it...I've got it starting. Obviously I've not been dosing enough Excel in my tanks (been doing 2.5mL in the 29g and 5mL in the 55g almost daily) so I'm going to have to increase that. Also just added DIY CO2 to both tanks last night. Only running one bottle on each, maybe I'll increase the 55g to two bottles. I knew I was cranking too much light with not enough CO2, now I'm kicking myself for it.

Any more tips on getting rid of the wretched stuff? It's just barely starting on my swords.

**rich311k** · 01-04-2010, 03:54 PM

Cut off the leaves now, maybe you can nip it in the bud. I usually get it when I let my CO2 run out.

**Northernguy** · 01-04-2010, 03:57 PM

Aside frome nuclear warfare DIY co2 is about the best method.
I am fighting a battle with it as well.

**Deleted User** · 01-04-2010, 03:59 PM

I got that a while ago. I had it all over my drift wood. Never had it before. I got a craft knife and scrapped it all of. Not seen it since.

**MCHRKiller** · 01-04-2010, 04:09 PM

SAE really put a dent in it as do Amano Shrimps. If its isolated try to spot treat with excel

**Wild Turkey** · 01-04-2010, 04:23 PM

Keep the co2 as steady and as close to 30ppm as you can get it., Once thats all sqaured away start spot treating with hydrogen peroxide and a syringe. These two methods in conjunction havent failed for me yet

**Lab_Rat** · 01-04-2010, 04:38 PM

Originally Posted by rich311k

Cut off the leaves now, maybe you can nip it in the bud. I usually get it when I let my CO2 run out.

Ok, will do tonight.

Originally Posted by Northernguy

Aside frome nuclear warfare DIY co2 is about the best method.
I am fighting a battle with it as well.

Hopefully my DIY CO2 will do the trick, running it into the canister intakes.

Originally Posted by Celtic Fins

I got that a while ago. I had it all over my drift wood. Never had it before. I got a craft knife and scrapped it all of. Not seen it since.

Right now it's only on the plants but if it progresses onto hard surfaces I'll do that.

Originally Posted by MCHRKiller

SAE really put a dent in it as do Amano Shrimps. If its isolated try to spot treat with excel

Unfortunately neither are options as the vics would quickly dispatch either.

Originally Posted by Wild Turkey

Keep the co2 as steady and as close to 30ppm as you can get it., Once thats all sqaured away start spot treating with hydrogen peroxide and a syringe. These two methods in conjunction havent failed for me yet

I'll have to try the hydrogen peroxide, right now it's very spotty, in it's early stages so not much damage yet.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I go to war with it tonight!

**dragoonwoman** · 01-04-2010, 04:45 PM

I have it on several swords and all over my driftwood. I'll pick up some Excel ASAP.

I also have a question about this. What would be considered "too much" light? I currently have about 2.8 wpg in my hex, but will be changing over to a 46g with about 3.4 wpg. Does the Kelvin temp of the light make a difference?

I have double 10k/6700 bulbs now, but the 46 will have 4 39w bulbs at 6700 degrees Kelvin. Will that help or hurt me? I had to stop running CO2 because of the pH swings it caused.

**dmagerl** · 01-04-2010, 04:48 PM

Using a syringe to squirt a 50/50 mix of excel/water directly on the algae helped me. I then also upped the CO2 and its never come back. I just have a problem with the regular hair algae now.