Java Moss and Pitophora Hair Algae

Hello Fishlore,

A friend recently gave me a huge clump of Java Moss and I decided to create a Java Moss wall out of them. As I was spreading them out on the mesh, I noticed that there were hair like grass included in the clump. Due to my ignorance at that time, I foolishly used them.

Now, after a bit of research, I realized now that those hair-like grass are actually Pitophora Hair Algae.

I'm now contemplating on whether or not I want to pull the wall out and remove the hair algae from the mesh. It took a long time and effort to create the wall and I spread the moss pretty evenly.

Do any of you guys have any advice for me on what I should do? Is the hair algae annoying enough long term for me to eradicate them now, or should I just let it grow out?

If it makes a difference, I have in the 55 gallon tank:

1 RES turtle (4 inches)
1 female Black Convict (2 inches)
1 male Black Convict (1.25 inches)
3 Comet Goldfishes (2-3 inches)
1 Common pleco (6 inches)

 

The goldfish, turtle, and pleco will all quickly outgrow that tank. If you could, try for a 150 gallon tank. Convicts should also not be kept with the others.

I've never heard f pitophora hair algae. I would try spot dosing with Excel. It might melt the moss though.

 

Thanks for the reply.

I know that my stocking is not conventional, but it is working for me at the moment. A 150 gallon tank on a student's budget is a no-go for me but I appreciate your concern.

Common names for Pitophora Hair Algae are Thread algae, Staghorn algae or Horse hair algae.

I would rather not use any chemicals in my tank. If by the end of the day I decided that I don't want them enough, I will just pull them out of the mesh. I'm just sort of hoping that somebody can convince me otherwise...yea I'm lazy.

 

I usually pick at mine but it kind of gets tedious, I would reduce lighting if that doesn't work, target dose with excel.

 

Do yours grow on your Java Moss wall Amazon?

Would my pleco eat them?

 

Do yours grow on your Java Moss wall Amazon?

Would my pleco eat them?

It doesn't grow on my Moss Wall, but in my other tank, my moss has some Hair Algae. I am not familiar with Plecos to be honest. I do know that Amanos eat them, but your turtle would probably make a snack out of them.

 

Thanks for the responses.

How do you keep your Java Moss in check? do you trim it? If so, does it matter how I trim it? Can the trimmings become their clump or will they rot?

 

Thanks for the responses.

How do you keep your Java Moss in check? do you trim it? If so, does it matter how I trim it? Can the trimmings become their clump or will they rot?

I trim mine when it gets long, you can use the trimmings to grow it somewhere else.

 

Thanks Amazon.

You and fellow Fishlorians have been a great help the past couple of days.

 

No problem, I got helped in creating my moss wall when I started, I'm glad I can help someone else ;-)

 

Does your Moss wall grow evenly throughout the mesh? Or are you finding them to grow better along the top/middle/bottom? Also, what do you do about bald patches? Do you proactively relocate trimmings to those areas?

 

Excel is just liquid carbon dioxide. A chemical, technically, but more specifically it is a fertilizer. I put some in my 55 gallon every day.

 

Excel is great stuff. As long as you follow the dosing instructions, it should be a good benefit.