New Member requires help

[Perry]

G'day,

I am 78 years old and have had Tropical fish tanks in my home for over 40 years. I was reading about Cherry Shrimps. Later I saw an ad on Gumtree Selling Cherry Shrimp.  I set up my tank and purchased 10.  I now have about 110.  The shrimps are all looking well.  A friend had Java Mose and gave me some. The Moss also had Slimy Weed attached to it.  Now my tank is full of it. I asked the guy at the Aquarium Shop what I could do.  He sold me some ALGAEFIX. The instructions indicate that you cannot use the chemical in a Shrimp Tank.  Please could somebody tell me how I can get rid of this Slimy Weed 

Cheers Perry

[jayc]

2 hours ago, Perry said:

Please could somebody tell me how I can get rid of this Slimy Weed 

I've not heard of slimy weed before. Or it might be more commonly known as another name.

In order for us to give you the right information, we need to ID this algae or weed properly first.

Are you able to match this slimy weed to any of the algae on this web page http://www.tropicalfishsite.com/types-of-algae-growth-found-in-the-home-aquarium/ ?

 

You are right to not use Algaefix in your tank of shrimps.

Maybe a picture of it might help too.

Edited November 5, 2019 by jayc

[incomplet]

Could it be cynobacteria? Have a look at google images for Cynobacteria aquariums.

[Perry]

G'day,

Thank you for your reply.  I could not see the Algae from those photos. I looked at other sites and found something that looks like the photos from my tank. Called Hair Algae. This green algae clings to other plants and rocks.  When I try to remove it it brings the other plants with it. I hope this help you.

Cheers Perry 

[jayc]

4 minutes ago, Perry said:

Hair Algae

Yep that is helpful. It certainly is Hair algae.

It's not the worse algae to have in a tank. Meaning it's not the worst algae to have in a tank, unlike cyanobacteria. Hair algae is the most common one.

It could mean that the photoperiod (the length of time the aquarium lights are on for) is too long. Try putting your lights on a timer and have the light on for 6 hours only, say 2-8pm. 

Manually removing the hair algae is probably the safest option for now. Along with the reduced photoperiod, it should get down to a manageable level. Manually remove any hardscape, like rocks, driftwood, ornaments that are covered in algae. If it fits into a pot, boil the algae off them. If it doesn't fit, leave it out in the sun to dry out before adding it back into the tank.

How often do you do water changes?

Consistent weekly 10% water changes will also help get rid of built up phosphates and nitrates, which causes this type of algae to appear.

Adding more plants will also help control hair algae. If you can find the following plants, try adding them to your tank:

1) Amazon Frogbit

2) Salvinia

3) Water Spangles

4) Water Lettuce

5) Java moss

6) Amazon Sword

 

1 - 4 are fast growing floating plants that will cut light to the hair algae and out grow them, taking up their much needed nutrients.

5 & 6 are fast growing plants that will also out compete the algae for nutrients and provide your shrimp somewhere to graze and hide.

 

The combination of manual removal, reduced light, water changes and adding more plants will cause the hair algae to slowly disappear after a few weeks. Don't be discouraged, hair algae is the most common algae aquarists will encounter. The algae spores are all over the place. 

[Perry]

Thank you so very much your reply was so informative.  I was afraid of purchasing new plants as I did not want that aglae covering them as well.  I normally had the light on from 6 am to 6 pm so I think that was the main reason.  I will send away to ebay and purchase some of those plants.  By the time I receive them I would have completed your suggestion.

I am pleased I found this web site.

Thank you for being there when I need help. 

Cheers Perry

[jayc]

No problem. Glad to be of some help.

Keep us updated with your progress.

[kms]

the easiest way to remove them,

use a toothbrush

use a tubing/hose brush

[Perry]

G'day to Hong Kong,

Thank you for your reply. Please tell me what you mean by a TUBING?HOSE BRUSH?

Cheers Perry

[jayc]

1 hour ago, Perry said:

TUBING?HOSE BRUSH?

One of these ... essentially a bottle brush.

It's name is what ever you use it for.

In this case it will be called "Algae brush" ?