The popular Anubias brings bright green tones into the aquarium with its spear leaves. Unfortunately, these are sometimes covered by black deposits. Algae have settled and will not disappear on their own. The plant must be specifically freed from them - ideally immediately!
How do I rid my Anubias of black algae?
Despite the black coloring, they are red algae species. Brush algae and beard algae are difficult to remove because they adhere strongly. Cut off affected leaves and remove heavily populated Anubias completely. Clean everything in the aquarium and take targeted control measures.
Black algae on Anubias, what algae is it?
The term black algae is often used in normal language, but is not botanically correct. Even if the algae are blackish in color, they are actually red algae. There are mainly tworepresentatives of red algaein the aquarium:brush algaeandbeard algae Both settle on the edges of leaves, among other things off.
Brush algae
- form dense clumps
- are about two centimeters long and unbranched
- look supple and delicate
Bearded Algae
- like thicker, curled beard hair
- are less close together
- up to 10 cm long and partly branched
How do I remove black algae from the 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:
- stract affectedcut off leaves
- very infested Anubiasremove from aquarium
- Close larger gaps temporarily with fast-growing plants
- z. B. waterweed or horn trefoil
- these are less affected by black algae
Black algae keep appearing on Anubias, what should I do?
The mechanical removal of black algae from Anubias plants is just a small step that primarily temporarily improves the appearance. For successful control, you also need to completely remove black algae from water, substrate, stones, filters, decorations and other aquatic plantsFind out about the various control options. Only reintroduce Anubias once the aquarium has been cleared of black algae.
How do I prevent black algae on Anubias?
Always ensureoptimal water valuesso that ideal algae conditions do not arise in the first place. The rapid proliferation of black algae is mainly caused by too much fertilization and too low a CO2 content. GoodHygieneas well as disinfection of landing nets and other objects help to avoid bringing in algae from other aquariums. You should also plan for a fewalgae eaters for the first stocking. When purchasing new fish, do not pour the water into the aquarium. And if black algae does appear, you should tackle it early.
Tip
You can safely identify red algae using alcohol
Some other types of algae, such as filamentous algae, can sometimes show a blackish color. If you are not sure whether it is actually red algae, take a breathalyzer test. To do this, take a sample of algae and place it in high-percentage alcohol. If the sample turns red after a while, you are dealing with red algae.
