Bacteria or fungus?

Question

I have black hairy looking fibers growing on a plant in one tank. I suspect it may be either bacteria or fungus. Any suggestions on how to get rid of it?

This tank already has algae eaters in it. They are avoiding this plant completely.

This is an established tank. It is well maintained with weekly water changes and bottom cleaning. The plant is an Amazon Sword. These fibers do not look like any kind of algae I've ever seen. They actually look like hair. None of the fish are effected nor is the water quality. The tank is heavily planted, and I am more worried about the other plants than the fish.

Answer 1

Sounds more like bearded algae. Molly/guppy/platty/swordtails and true siamese algae eaters will eat some types. Of course in a heavily planted tank they may have too much else to eat. You might try increasing aeration in the tank as it's generally a sign of to little CO2.

Answer 2

Some live plants grow algae on them regularly. You can replace them and have it come back, or you can just wrinse the plant off when you do your tank changes. If the algae would be causing a problem, you'd have noticed it in your fish sooner than your plant.

Algae will grow different types based on the different chemistry of your water. Ditams which is a common brown algae which may be what you're refering to is caused by messy substrate or gravel. Feel free to give it a good vaccume when you clean your tank next time.

If however you believe this is making your fish ill or miserable, feel free to replace it. Precaution is afterall the best cure.

Answer 3

Could it be black beard algae (BBA)?
http://www.otocinclus.com/articles/graphics/blackbrush.jpg
http://www.plantgeek.net/articles/gg_algae_faq/bba3.jpg

If so, algae eaters won't touch the stuff. You need to manually remove any affected leaves. A quick dunk in a 19/1 water/bleach solution will kill any bits that remain (rinse it repeatedly) - the rest of the plant won't look too good, but the new growth should be BBA-free.

If not, its best just to remove the plant, and maybe add some salt to the water. 1tbsp/5gallons should do (be sure to disolve the salt in some tank water separately before putting it in the tank. The salt level will gradually go down as you do your water changes.

Answer 4

It's a fungus. Throw the plant away and clean the tank thoroughly and replace the water.

Answer 5

More than likely fungus. Take the plant out and get a new one.

Answer 6

I think it would be a fungus. Change the water, and maybe even replace the plant itself.

Answer 7

most likely the growth is a sort of fungus. these can be rather diff to remove, but I suggest getting a fish that eats algae as he will find it relatively easy and you will find that the growth has dissapeared in a few days.

Answer 8

Fungus. Don't get rid of it unless it is hurting the enviornment of your tank.It may be just a new plant that an animal needs in your tank.

Answer 9

there is special tablets you can buy to put in your tank but be very careful you have to be careful on what tablets or sprays you use some can be very harmful to your reptiles fish or whatever
make sure you read the label

if it is fish you can also buy other fish that eat the fungus or algae for you helps keep the tank clean

i would imagine that its a fungus though

hope this helps jay

Answer 10

it is fungus, wash this plant and then sprinkle it with cold water and then put it in sunlight, it will be okay.
keep doing so every 8 hours and so.