Fuzzy plants?

Seanmiller09

I need help identifying what is growing on my plants. The plants in two of my tanks have been “fuzzy” for quite some time now. (I think something came in on one of my sword plants, very similar to pygmy sword, but slightly broader, longer leaves). It’s starting to get a little distracting when examining the tanks up close. I can’t figure out what it is. I do not believe it is hydra since I have that in one of the tanks as well and this “fuzz” doesn’t look the same. I finally decided to ask for help when I noticed a few of the growths in the picture below as they are quite large. The plant pictured is the end of a Corckscrew Vallisneria leaf. If anyone can ID either growth (the large root like one, or the small "fuzz") that would be awesome!

Thanks for any help!
Sean

Byron

It is algae, I would say one of 3: hair, cladophora or thread. Regardless of type, cause is much the same: light.

Plants can only use the available light if all 17 nutrients are available in balance. As most of us end up with excess light, algae takes advantage. Higher plants can out-compete algae, but when something is missing (the minimal factor to plant photosynthesis, as it is known) the plants slow or even stop photosynthesizing and algae takes advantage.

Algae is natural in any aquarium; but we keep it under control. And some types will appear in this tank but not that tank, often for no known reason.

If you can detail your light (type, kelvin, watts, etc) and how long it is on, and what fertilizers you are using and how often, I may have suggestions. Also, a full tank photo so I can see the extent would help.

Byron.

Seanmiller09

10g
2 7w CFL 5000k
They are on from 6:30AM to 9:00PM
It also gets a little sunlight at about 10:00AM
I use Seachem Comprehensive filled to about the first thread of the cap once a week.

Outside the alge on the plants, I don't really get much alge, (probably because there are a few snails and one 2" pleco) I havent cleaned the glass in a few months and it looks pretty good.

Ill try and get a photo up as soon as I get out of the studio.

Byron

Doesn't sound too bad (the algae), I'll know more from the photo. I would suggest reducing the light duration a bit by 2.5 hours down to 12 hours, and eliminate direct sun (window shade).

Seanmiller09

Byron

I like that tank. Nice plants and aquascaping. An authentic "shady" environment for forest fish.

From the photos i don't see a problem yet, but I still would reduce the light duration as mentinoed previously. Don't expect the present algae to go away, but it should stop reproducing. If not, then reduce the light another hour or two. Finding that balance is sometimes a bit experimental, as so many variables are involved--organics, minerals in tap water, fish food types, daylight entering the room, etc.

Byron.

Seanmiller09

Thanks for the compliments! I reduced the light to a 10:00 - 10:00 schedule, and closed the blind closest to the tank, now we wait.

On an extremely different note; in your signature, does "BMus, MA" stand for Batchelor's Degree in Music and Master's in Art?

Sorry for the tangent, haha.

Byron

Yes; I have a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Arts in musicology. Just a hobby now I'm retired.

Seanmiller09

Very cool. Did you teach classes on music theory or was it just something you were interested in? I suppose that is a weird question for a fish forum.

Byron

Sometimes life has a way of diverting one from the goal, and it did in my case. I ended up in quite a different area from what I had intended.