What is this?

**abraham3660** · 08-17-2012, 01:02 AM

What type of algae is this? How can I get rid of it, because my pleco and otos definitely don't eat it.

**Strider199** · 08-17-2012, 01:04 AM

It's tough to see but look up beard algae and see if the photos match.

I hate beard algae. It spreads when you rub it (due to spores being released), so the best bet is cut it off and slowly remove.

**abraham3660** · 08-17-2012, 01:19 AM

Yah sorry for the crappy cellphone pic. I'll try looking it up.

**Strider199** · 08-17-2012, 01:24 AM

Hey don't be. A picture is worth a thousand words. If it is beard algae you may want to boil that driftwood and soak it in tap water for a while to make sure you get control of it. To stop that type of algae I have read that excel (liquid plant food), will help to control it and watch how much light your giving the tank. Maybe cut back a bit and feed your otto's and plec some wafers and/or fresh cucumber or zucchini.

**abraham3660** · 08-17-2012, 01:30 AM

I can't really take the dw out ecause I have 2 Anubias attached to it. I am just worried, because it is spreading EXTREMELY fast. It is starting to attach to some of my plants. I have never seen anything grow so fast. I will try shortening the lighting period.

**Strider199** · 08-17-2012, 11:49 PM

I know you have probably read through this in your search but just in case you missed it,

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ad.php?t=24570

Dave writes about beard algae in this thread with some helpful tips.

It's ugly stuff for sure.