BBA and plants

Hi Prof Dirk, I have set up my new tank now and have been given some rather nice plants by one of the forum memebers. I can't remember what they are called, but they seem to have black "whiskers" growing on them?

I have not planted them yet, as I do not want to create problems for my self further down the line. Thought I would get your advice first.

Can I "fix" these plants? They are very nice and I would like to keep them if possible. Is there maybe some kind of fish or snail that I can put in the tank that will clean the plants up?

I am keeping the plants in a bucket at the moment, so I can dose with one of your products if needed.

Many thanks for all your help so far.

 

Mmmmmm.....!

Those black whiskers are hair algae, a common problem is you are growing plants in soft water and you have a high fish load. Remove as much as you can physically without completely removing all the leaves of the plants.

May I ask which types of plants these are as I may then be able to give you some more direct advice.

Fish and snails hate these algae just as much as you do and will not eat them...

You need to control these by not creating the right conditions for them in the tank. Check pH and do not let it drop too low, do not overstock and be careful with which ferts you use.

Kind regards,

Dirk

 

I do not know what the set up or water parameters where in the tank where the plants came from. The plants were given to me. At this stage my tank is at ph 7.5 and gh 5. I am using your ferts which I bought from you last week. The 5 step fert system.

The plants have small eliptical shaped leaves that are green on top and redish brown underneath, I have no idea what they are called but they do look very nice. I saw some pics of the same plant in sailing derricks tank. They are quite straight up and the leaves stand out at a 90 deg angle to the stem. ( I don't know if this helps at all?).

Would it be better not to put these plants in my tank?:wondering:

 

Hi Steve,

I think these plants may be Ludwigia. Given the slightly higher hardness values in your tank thanks to my ferts and the slightly higher pH, I see no need for concern and would add the plants to the tank. Before adding them, I would cut off the older bottoms of the stems which I would think also contain most of the algae. These plants grow roots rapidly so need to worry about roots.

Show us some pics please so that we can see what you are talking about.

Kind regards,

Dirk

 

why don't you post pics of the plants then some one can ID them for you?

I have the same problem in my planted tank but it is only on my Swords and Vialius( I think that is what they are called and how you spell it)

 

No Gareth,

you are getting confused. You use Valium for your nerves, but the plants that you plant are Vallis for short, but there full name is Vallisneria. Or are you getting confused with some other medication if you say Vialius? We do not sell this type of stuff on this forum....

Kind regards,

Dirk

 

Yes Dirk, but that stuff will give you firm, healthy stems ..... ROFL

 

Ok not sure now what it is called, I will have to get myself a Aquarium Plant book A.S.A.P so that I can give you the proper names... LOL

OK I Googled it and it is Vallisneria.

 

Will take some photos and lets see what I have got hold of.

 

If this is indeed BBA on your plants, then add an overdose of Seachem Excel to the bucket. 3x normal. Do this for a week. Your BBA will be dead and gone and the plants will get a nice carbon kick start. But try not to use Excel in a tank with fish.

If indeed what you have is Ludwigia, then just trim off the affected leaves and also the bottom parts which may be most affected by the algae. Lugwigias grow like weeds.