Page 1 of 1
how to Avoid algae on leaves
Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2025 11:50 pm
by microsis
My Anubias leaves keep getting covered in algae no matter what I do. I've tried reducing light to 6 hours a day, but it's still spreading. Anyone got tips to stop this without harming the plants?
Re: how to Avoid algae on leaves
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 12:35 am
by aquascaper
Algae on Anubias is common, especially in low-flow areas. Try increasing water flow around the leaves and add some Amano shrimp or Nerite snails. They're great at cleaning without damaging plants. Also, check your nitrate levels, high nitrates can fuel algae growth.
Re: how to Avoid algae on leaves
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 12:57 am
by jasonbrick
aquascaper wrote: ↑Sat Jun 28, 2025 12:35 am
Algae on Anubias is common, especially in low-flow areas. Try increasing water flow around the leaves and add some Amano shrimp or Nerite snails. They're great at cleaning without damaging plants. Also, check your nitrate levels, high nitrates can fuel algae growth.
Yep, Amanos are clutch for this. I'd also cut back on feeding if you're overdoing it. Excess food = algae buffet. What's your tank size and filter setup?
Re: how to Avoid algae on leaves
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 1:59 am
by darksun
I had the same prob with my Java Fern. Tried everything, then someone told me to chill with the light. Dropped it to 5 hours and boom, algae backed off. Maybe go lower than 6?
Re: how to Avoid algae on leaves
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 2:36 am
by flameon
Light ain't the only culprit. You gotta balance it with CO2 if you're running high light. No CO2? Algae's gonna take over. Simple as that.
Re: how to Avoid algae on leaves
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 3:37 am
by microsis
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try adding Amano shrimp and tweaking the light. My tank's a 20-gallon with a HOB filter, nitrate's around 20 ppm.
Re: how to Avoid algae on leaves
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 5:31 am
by Riseup
20 ppm nitrates ain't bad, but could be lower. More water changes might help. Also, how old are your bulbs? Old bulbs shift spectrum and can encourage algae.
Re: how to Avoid algae on leaves
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 7:03 am
by flinty
I've had success with floating plants. They soak up excess nutrients and shade the tank a bit. Frogbit or Water Lettuce could help.
Re: how to Avoid algae on leaves
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 7:57 am
by aquascaper
flinty wrote: ↑Sat Jun 28, 2025 7:03 am
I've had success with floating plants. They soak up excess nutrients and shade the tank a bit. Frogbit or Water Lettuce could help.
Floaters are a solid move. They're like a natural nutrient sponge. Just watch they don't block too much light if your Anubias need it.
Re: how to Avoid algae on leaves
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 8:04 am
by jasonbrick
If you're gonna add floaters, keep an eye on your flow. Too much and they'll get pushed under or stuck in one corner. Adjust the filter output if needed.