what is the black stuff on my fake plants in my aquarium?

Answer 1

That is Black Beard Algae, which is a pain to get rid of... The best thing to do is let the plants soak over night in a bleach solution, rinse the plants thoroughly, and put them back into the tank after scraping the dead algae off of them. To prevent the algae from returning, keep your tank extra clean (at LEAST weekly 25% water changes), reduce the light your tank receives (NO direct sunlight, and only 8-10 hours of light from the hood). Contact me if you have any questions.

Soop Nazi

EDIT: Many fish will eat many species of algae, but unfortunately, Black Beard Algae is practically impalletable to aquarium fish, snails, or shrimp. The only way to remove it is manually...

EDIT 2: Bleach's toxicity is neutralized if allowed to air dry, Also, simply dechlorinating the water the plants are in will turn bleach (NaClO) into sodium oxide (NaO).

Answer 2

It's probably algae, but unless you have algae eating fish, most won't eat it.

There is one type of algae, called blue-green algae, that is really a bacteria and needs to be treated with antibiotics in the water. This "cyano-bacter" looks like a slimy sheet of black.

True algae is a plant and won't cause harm to your fish. If you don't like the way it looks, take your fake plants out and clean them with a little bleach and a new toothbrush - no soap, tho.

I always like a little algae on my fake plants, it makes them look real.

Answer 3

Omm, I'm not so sure you want to let them soak in Bleach, as the answerer above said. Don't you think that will get into the water the fish are in?

Answer 4

algaee u need to buy an algee eater they look like little catfish they will feed of it.

Answer 5

Algae (al-gee)
The fish will eat it don't worry! :)