Posted by PHSplendens on January 23, 2003 at 12:43:27:
In Reply to: Black growth on plants posted by marck on January 22, 2003 at 16:04:54:
:I've had my 30 gallon tank for about 6 months. I've tried numerous types of plants and I always seem to get this ugly black growth on the plants. I suspect it's some form of algea. My local fish store sold me some dwarf algea eaters and gave me some liquid plant food.
:Does this sound right to you guys. I haven't noticed any difference. I was thinking of buying more algea eaters because they are very small and may not be able to handle the problem for just 2 of them.
:I have a few tri-color sharks, rainbow sharks, pleco, blue lobster, some catfish, 2 angel fish and a molly in there.
:Thanks,
:Marc
It could be algae or rotting leaves. You can find out by running your finger over a leaf that is covered, and if the black comes off then it's algae. Have you tested your nitrates lately? My guess is since your tank is already seriously overcrowded that they are sky high and adding more fish will make it worse. Nitrates are food for both plants and algae, and adding more plant food will also make things worse. As it is your plants aren't consuming what's in there. Besides that not all plants need extra fertilizer, some such plants are java moss and java ferns. Then there is also the issue of feeding and amount of light your tank is getting. First find out why you have algae to begin with and correct the problem instead of adding to it.
PHSplendens
