Aquarium Gardening Notes

Tropical Science Phosphate Filter

As mentioned in my previous post, I am currently experiencing the beginning stages of black hair algae in my established aquariums. In the coming weeks, I will be testing several additives. I'll keep a close eye on the resulting algae growth.

The second product I am currently experimenting with is called Phosphate Filter by Tropical Science. I am using this product in conjunction with Ultralife Blue-Green Algae Remover. The Phosphate Filter product label says that this is ideal "for all freshwater and marine aquariums". If furthermore states that it is good "for red and hair algae & cyanobacteria."

As mentioned in my previous post, I've have a devastating outbreak of hair algae four years ago in a large aquarium. At the time, I managed to stop the infestation. I don't quite know what I did to stop the bloom, but one of the additives I used was this Phosphate Filter product by Tropical Science. So I am very hopeful.

The product contains a moist sponge-like pad which is described as the active phosphate remover. The part of this additive I'm interested in is the small bag of white powder that comes along with the pad. The powder is actually what is described as the agent against the the algae. I simply smear it over the phosphate pad and place the pad in my water filter.

So far, with the recommended doses, plants continue to grow and fish seem unaffected. It does appear that these two products are harmless to fish and plants. It is yet too early to determine if these two products will kill the black hair algae. I will continue to dose as directed and will update in a month or so.

Ultralife Blue-Green Algae Remover

I am currently testing a couple of products on a nasty strand of algae commonly referred to as "beard algae". This algae is often called brush or beard algae because it starts off as tufts of grayish hair-like strands that eventually cover plants and ornaments. In my experience, this is the ugliest and most tenacious pest I ever encountered in my freshwater aquariums.

This algae has begun to appear in my established aquariums only. The tanks have healthy plant growth and have been established for many months. The oldest tank, my 35 gallon, shows a couple of small tufts of beard algae in a large growth of Java moss. The other aquarium, a 20 gallon, shows many more tufts on small plants. The majority of the plants remain unaffected at this time.

Shown in this picture is some of the beard-like growth in my 20 gallon aquarium. It has overtaken small grass plants. The plant only survives by producing fresh shoots.

If what I am seeing is actually the same as what is referred to as Blue-Green Algae, then the blackish beard-like stuff on some of my plants is actually part of the red algae family. Years ago, I had an outbreak of it in a large tank. I managed to squelch it, but unfortunately, I don't remember what I did!

I am currently dosing two tanks with a product called Blue-Green Algae Remover by Ultralife Reef Products. I found this at the That Fish Place website.

The product's box says this: "Ultralife Blue-Green Algae Remover is a revolutionary time tested product that will effectively and safely remove blue green algae quickly without harm to freshwater fish or plants. The results will amaze you." Sounds very promising.

Shown here is a panoramic view of the affected 20 gallon tank. Click the image for a larger view. This picture was taken a month ago. The algae is not visible, but it had already started to appear. As you can see, the tank was quite healthy. The goal now is to prevent this hair algae growth from blooming and causing massive plant dammage.

This week, I've dosed the aquariums as directed. New plant growth is vibrant and algae-free but algae still hangs on tightly on older growth. So far, it is too early to tell whether the product has the desired effect on my algae problem. I'll update in a month or so.