Bearded algae everywhere! Help!

[FisHobbyist]

So I was planning on taking down one of my my Fluval Spec Vs. I placed the fish and snail that were in here to my 55 gallon. I did a 50% water change on the spec and added easy carbon from aquarium coop just to try it out to see if it helps with some of the small amount of algae I had in my tank. Guys I’m not even kidding. Bearded algae took over. There was initially a small amount that remained at bay for weeks. I would trim plants that had it... this time I trimmed everything I could see with bearded algae when I did the water change. Now it’s on every surface and plant. Has anyone had this happen so quickly? Should I just toss everything and give up on it or anything I can try to get rid of it? If I can salvage some plants it would be great. I plan on taking the tank down soon though. I’ll let this be a learning experience. Last photo is just two days ago. First two are from today.

 

[PenguinTetra38]

You could try hydrogen peroxide at 2 mls per gallon every 3 to 4 days with a 40-50% wc after dosing. This may work.

 

[mimo91088]

I fought it forever too, and finally resorted to like a 50% hydrogen peroxide dip. I don't recommend going that high. I didn't kill anything, but I melted some leaves off for sure. Haven't seen BBA in months though, so it worked even if it was quite harsh.

 

[FisHobbyist]

You could try hydrogen peroxide at 2 mls per gallon every 3 to 4 days with a 40-50% wc after dosing. This may work.

Interesting. So treat it in the tank directly? I may try that. I don’t have anything to lose at this point

I fought it forever too, and finally resorted to like a 50% hydrogen peroxide dip. I don't recommend going that high. I didn't kill anything, but I melted some leaves off for sure. Haven't seen BBA in months though, so it worked even if it was quite harsh.

I’m not worried about melting if it doesn’t kill the plant completely. Seems to be all one the gravel too so I’m not sure if just doing a dip will help...but I may resort to that if I just want to treat the plants and move to another tank. How long did you soak for or did you just quickly dip it?

 

[Pfrozen]

You can try the plant dip for sure but it will be a lot harder to remove if its started growing on the inside of your glass or other surfaces. When you manually remove it or scrape it off little bits float around and propagate wherever they land. BBA is basically like the plague lol. The only thing that worked for me was completely tearing down my tank but others have had success with basic interventions

 

[FisHobbyist]

You can try the plant dip for sure but it will be a lot harder to remove if its started growing on the inside of your glass or other surfaces. When you manually remove it or scrape it off little bits float around and propagate wherever they land. BBA is basically like the plague lol. The only thing that worked for me was completely tearing down my tank but others have had success with basic interventions

I planned on taking this tank down anyways. Hopefully I can save the plants though

 

[Pfrozen]

I planned on taking this tank down anyways. Hopefully I can save the plants though

ah the dip should work then, I kept some plants that didn't have BBA directly on them and I am fine so far

 

[mimo91088]

I’m not worried about melting if it doesn’t kill the plant completely. Seems to be all one the gravel too so I’m not sure if just doing a dip will help...but I may resort to that if I just want to treat the plants and move to another tank. How long did you soak for or did you just quickly dip it?

I did 5 minutes, but it was mostly anubias. I'd do less if you're doing more delicate plants.

 

[Berryblue]

It looks like the Easy Carbon put the balance of your tank over the edge. Amano shrimp have been a game changer with respect to BBA. You could get 2 for your size tank. They'll get rid of it and also keep it at bay going forward.

 

[FisHobbyist]

It looks like the Easy Carbon put the balance of your tank over the edge. Amano shrimp have been a game changer with respect to BBA. You could get 2 for your size tank. They'll get rid of it and also keep it at bay going forward.

It looks like the Easy Carbon put the balance of your tank over the edge. Amano shrimp have been a game changer with respect to BBA. You could get 2 for your size tank. They'll get rid of it and also keep it at bay going forward.

Nice! Yeah I’ve considered getting some. I don’t have a great place locally to get some. Do you have any good recommendations from where to buy online?

Nice! Yeah I’ve considered getting some. I don’t have a great place locally to get some. Do you have any good recommendations from where to buy online?

I think I may try flipaquatics for the first time. Anyone tried them?

 

[Berryblue]

Unfortunately, I haven't used flipaquatics before but I know that Aquapros has a discount code you can use. Check it out here: Partners & Discounts

 

[StarGirl]

My Amanos didn't eat my BBA.........Just putting that out there.

 

[jake37]

You can order shrimp on amazon via aquahuna. Shipping is cheap there but the major issue with ordering shrimp this time of year is temp. A lot of aquatic life dislike the cold...

 

[FisHobbyist]

Unfortunately, I haven't used flipaquatics before but I know that Aquapros has a discount code you can use. Check it out here: Partners & Discounts

Ok thanks! I’ll have to check them out too. I went ahead and made an order from flipaquatics earlier. We’ll see how that goes.

You can order shrimp on amazon via aquahuna. Shipping is cheap there but the major issue with ordering shrimp this time of year is temp. A lot of aquatic life dislike the cold...

Nice! Thanks for the tip. I’ll look into that as well. Plenty of tanks to fill...but I agree. Hopefully they ship fast and do a good job with heating/insulation

 

[FisHobbyist]

So I received the shrimp from flipaquatics. Despite the shipping delays by USPS, my shrimp all made it to my home alive and well. They spent 6-7 days in transport. Flips did a great job with packaging and even tossed in a couple freebies too. Anyone thinking about ordering shrimp, I highly recommend them. Pleased customer here. Just a quick note, even though they all survived I wouldn’t try doing another live order until next year when there aren’t delays. I was worried I would receive a bag of dead shrimp

Total of

Ok thanks! I’ll have to check them out too. I went ahead and made an order from flipaquatics earlier. We’ll see how that goes.

Nice! Thanks for the tip. I’ll look into that as well. Plenty of tanks to fill...but I agree. Hopefully they ship fast and do a good job with heating/insulation