AQUARIUM ALGAE GUIDE Ep #5 Green Spot Algae - GSA

Summary

In this video, the Aquarium LG guide discusses green spot algae, explaining its characteristics, how to identify it, and the main cause: fluctuating phosphate levels. While green spot algae is not as concerning as other types like brown or staghorn algae, it can still take over an aquarium if left unchecked. The video provides tips on how to remove it from glass, hardscapes, and plants, using scrapers or snails. It also emphasizes the importance of monitoring phosphate levels to prevent future outbreaks, suggesting a phosphate test kit and proper fertilizer dosing for optimal plant health.

Takeaways

• 😀 Green spot algae can appear as small green dots on aquarium glass and slow-growing plants, like Anubias.
• 😀 Green spot algae is stubborn and harder to remove once it grows on plant leaves or hardscape.
• 😀 The main cause of green spot algae is phosphate levels, which can be too high or too low.
• 😀 Green spot algae can be scraped off glass with a credit card or scraper and brushed off hardscape with a toothbrush.
• 😀 If green spot algae appears on plants, the affected leaves may need trimming, especially for slow-growing plants like Anubias.
• 😀 Snails like Nerite and Clithon can help remove green spot algae from plant leaves.
• 😀 Spot treatments with products like Seachem Excel can help, but may harm plants if overused.
• 😀 Phosphate levels should be monitored, and they should be kept between 0.1 to 1 mg per liter for optimal plant growth.
• 😀 A phosphate test kit is essential to measure and manage phosphate levels in your aquarium.
• 😀 If you’re dosing phosphate fertilizers, be careful not to overdose, and use regular water changes to manage excess phosphate.
• 😀 Green spot algae can appear after a few weeks in new aquariums, especially if you use nutrient-rich substrates that initially release phosphates.

Q & A

What is green spot algae, and how can it be identified?

Green spot algae appears as small green dots, about a millimeter in size. It is very stubborn and typically grows on aquarium glass as well as slow-growing plants like anubias.

What are some common types of algae discussed in the video, and how does green spot algae differ from them?

The video discusses brown algae, black beard algae, staghorn algae, and green spot algae. Unlike the others, green spot algae is not an immediate eyesore, and it can be manageable if kept in check. It mainly appears on glass and slow-growing plants, unlike some other algae types that can spread rapidly.

What is the main cause of green spot algae in an aquarium?

The main cause of green spot algae is related to phosphate levels in the aquarium. Either too high or too low phosphate levels can trigger the growth of green spot algae.

How can you distinguish green spot algae from green dust algae?

Green spot algae is stubborn and hard to remove, whereas green dust algae is soft and can be wiped away easily. If you attempt to clean them, green spot algae will resist while green dust algae will come off with minimal effort.

What is the role of phosphate in the growth of green spot algae?

Phosphates are a crucial nutrient for plant growth. Low phosphate levels in the aquarium can trigger green spot algae, as it competes with plants for this essential nutrient.

How can you remove green spot algae from your aquarium?

You can scrape green spot algae off the aquarium glass with a credit card or algae scraper. For hardscapes, brushing with a toothbrush may help. If it appears on plant leaves, it’s best to trim the affected leaves or use cleanup crews like Nerite or Clithon snails to remove it.

Why is it difficult to remove green spot algae from plant leaves?

Green spot algae is very stubborn and adheres firmly to plant leaves, making it nearly impossible to remove completely. In these cases, trimming the affected leaves is the most practical solution.

What is the role of snails in managing green spot algae?

Nerite and Clithon snails are effective at scraping off green spot algae from plant leaves, acting as natural cleanup crews in aquariums.

What should you do if you're experiencing green spot algae despite dosing phosphate?

If you're dosing phosphate but still experiencing green spot algae, it could be a sign that you are dosing too much. Regular phosphate testing can help you adjust the levels appropriately.

How can phosphate levels be managed to prevent green spot algae?

To manage phosphate levels, you can use a phosphate test kit to ensure they stay between 0.1 and 1 mg/L. You can also dose liquid fertilizers with phosphates carefully and perform regular water changes to avoid excess phosphate buildup.