AT A GLANCE
How do I rid my Anubias of black algae?
Despite the black color, these are red algae species. Brush algae and beard algae are difficult to remove because they are very adhesive. Cut off affected leaves, remove heavily populated Anubias completely. Clean everything in the aquarium and take targeted control measures.
Black algae on Anubias, which algae are they?
The term black algae is often used in everyday language, but it is not botanically correct. Even if the algae are black in color, they are actually red algae. In the aquarium mainly come two representatives of the red algae before: brush algae and beard algae. Both settle among other things on leaf edges.
brush algae
- form dense clumps
- are about two centimeters long and unbranched
- appear supple and delicate
also read
beard algae
- like thick, ruffled whiskers
- are less dense
- up to 10 cm long and partly branched
How do I remove black algae from Anubias?
Unfortunately, both red algae can be very firmly attached to the leaves of Anubia. You can hardly remove them completely mechanically without damaging the leaves. Better do it like this:
- severely affected cut off leaves
- very infested Anubias remove from aquarium
- Temporarily close larger gaps with fast-growing plants
- e.g. B. waterweed or trefoil
- these are less affected by black algae
Black algae keep appearing on Anubias, what to do?
The mechanical removal of black algae from Anubias plants is only a small step, which primarily improves the appearance temporarily. For successful control you also need water, substrate, stones, filters, decorations and other aquatic plants get rid of black algae completely. Find out about the different control options. Only reintroduce Anubias once the aquarium has been cleared of black algae.
How to prevent black algae on Anubias?
Always take care of optimal water values, so that ideal algae conditions do not arise in the first place. Because the proliferation of black algae is mainly caused by too much Fertilize and too low a CO2 content. Good hygiene as well as disinfecting nets and other objects help to prevent algae from other aquariums. You should also stock a few for the first time algae eater plan on. When buying new fish, do not pour the water into the aquarium. And if black algae do show up, you should start fighting them early.
Tip
You can reliably determine red algae with the help of alcohol
Some other types of algae, such as filamentous algae, can also sometimes show a blackish colour. If you are not sure whether it is actually red algae, carry out an alcohol test. To do this, you take a sample of algae and place it in high-proof alcohol. If the sample turns red after a while, you are dealing with red algae.