Your email address will not be published. You might get a Siamese algae eater fish, which does not like the BBA. The plants will die in hot water and probably the BBA will live. Once removed, How do I get them back in properly? belong to the group of red algae, just like staghorn algae. For black beard algae, the main cause is said to be too much phosphorus. I’ve also noticed that crypts don’t like Flourish Excel and will slowly melt away. To remove black beard algae from your tank with Flourish Excel, you will need to overdose. Absolutely, this method will work on ornaments too, though it is much cheaper if you soak the ornaments in hot water, because black beard algae will die off this way too. Ramshorn Snails. BBA is actually part of the Rodophyta family and it's primarily considered a marine algae. It will slowly kill your plant, by blocking the lights off and making photo-sensitization impossible for the plant. From my fish-keeper experience, black beard alga is common in aquariums with strong lights. Black beard algae, also known as black brush algae (BBA) is a very common algae type, which is present in most of planted aquariums. It’s also known ask black beard algae because it resembles coarse beard hair. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If all your plants are covered with BBA, it might be worth removing the affected leaves to remove as much algae as you can, get some fast growing plants and dose Flourish Excel as recommended. BBA is very resistant to temperature change, even to hot water. Excess nutrients in the water can also cause black beard algae. Monitor your light levels and don’t allow your lights to stay on for too long.  An abundance of light will almost guarantee black beard algae. The key is to be patient and do not disturb your aquarium too much. Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up a Planted Aquarium, How to Kill Blue Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) in Freshwater Aquarium, Swollen Fish – Dealing with Dropsy Disease in Your Aquarium, 10 Tips to Keep Your Fish Happy & Healthy, Remove your Anubias plant from your aquarium and let it dry for 5-10 minutes, Apply the Flourish Excel to the affected leaves with a small brush, Leave the plant for 5 minutes with the solution on the leaves, Put it back into your aquarium and leave it alone for a few days. Add fertilizer to your tank to help plants grow faster. I hope that this article has helped you remove the black beard algae from your Anubias plant, and gave you some good ideas on how to get rid of it completely from your aquarium. After 3-4 days BBA will become thinner and lighter in color. Plants, however can suffer from BBA if it is not treated in time. The best method is still to prevent algae growth. We also purchased a new family of Chile Red Rasboras. Take a closer look at the thing and you will know from where it got its name. I have BBA throughout my entire tank. In fact, I only know one fish and a type of shrimp that will consume BBA. Never take plants and animals from the wild. Maintain your own self-replenishing colony. I’ve tried to wipe off BBA from decorations with hot water, and it was really tough. The good thing with this technique is that the leaves of your plant remain intact. Perform regular water changes.  You should be carrying out a 10 – 30 % water change every 1 – 2 weeks.  If you’re not, then you need to start doing this asap. Black Beard algae are an unsightly nuisance that can blight your aquarium. It is very hard to kill, and there are very few fish, which will consume it. Black beard algae is also a sign of inefficient filtration system, because BBA grows in the presents of high nitrites. hi all, Over the last couple of weeks I have been having some problem with either staghorn or blackbeard algae growing on my amazon swords and dwarf hairgrass. Most people will recommend you to cut off all the leaves from your plants that are infected with black beard algae. I was wondering if the brushing flourish method would work on ornaments too, especially fragile ones that may be hard to scrub? Mark. decor items or substrate introduced into the aquarium. They first appear as small furry black dots as small as the tip of a pen, often found on the edges of older leaves of plants that aren't growing optimally (see below), blossoming into full size as those on the top picture. Use a filter that is powerful enough for your aquarium.  A filter will ensure a sufficient flow of water around your tank and help regulate phosphate levels.  It’s a must regardless of the type or size of aquarium you have. Your email address will not be published. These can be introduced into an aquarium via plants, fish, or fresh water. Hair Algae. BBA belongs to the red algae family in the plant kingdom. In this category, we’re referring to the many types of algae that look like wet hair when … Some fish feed on black beard because it is algae, but they will not do this if they have an excess of food. It is stubborn and as hard to eradicate as cockroaches, and it pains me to look at this beautifully decorated aquarium with this stuff all over everything. I am nervous about adding seachem flourish excel in case it upsets some of the fish (I have two dwarf blue rams amongst others) I’m quite interested in trying the brush technique on my anubias. For quite a long time, black beard algae was growing in two of my aquariums and was difficult to remove even with a syphon. I have tried Excel by the recommended doses but it didn’t work. Don’t be confused with… Staghorn algae is often confused with black beard algae. SmartAquariumGuide.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. From far away, it looks like black mold, though it is actually dark bluish green in color. Add fast growing plants to suck up excess nutrients from the water faster. My tank is a 29 gallon. Black brush algae (BBA) is stiff bristle-like branched or unbranched similar to a coarse horsehair. It can also be bright green, blue-green to blackish green. Black beard algae started to take over the aquarium. Browsing the internet and some fish-keeping related forums, I came through a very good method, which I had to try out: What? Setting up a CO2 system is also a bit complicated. Research shows, that black beard algae is caused by excess of vitamin B12 in the water column. Remove dead plant material as soon as possible. You will need Flourish Excel (buy it from Amazon) and a small brush for this. Read also how to eliminate algae more here. Belonging to the red algae family, beard algae (also called brush algae) grows on the edges of plant leaves as well as on the edges of almost any hard surface. I’m using Flourish Excel in a 240 liter (64 gallons) aquarium. i have live plants which are all covered with BBA. This protein is what gives these algae the purplish-black appearance. BBA is not harmful to your fish at all. It is very hard to get rid of this algae and nothing is done it will eventually take over your entire tank. There is no guarantee though, that they will clean your tank from BBA. Brief Profile Of Black Beard Algae: They have extensive roots but need to settle and grow into the bark? I have noticed that I appear to have BBA growing. There is an easier and cheaper way to remove BBA from Anubias plants. Seen in both saltwater and freshwater tank, Black Beard Algae is a type of Red Algae that produces a red light protein known as phycoerythrin. They might get damaged a bit due to the strong compounds found in the Flourish Excel, but the loss will be minimal. In this case algae eating fish and shrimp will not even touch it. I’ve tried to trim it up, and have cut back on lighting. © Copyright 2020 - SmartAquariumGuide. The Flourish Excel will not affect your other plants, because it is only used once in a very minimal dose. The algae grow in furry tufts that resemble a beard or … How to brush off the BBA from an Anubias plant? Black beard algae are one of the worst algae in the aquarium hobby because of how hardy, persistent, and stubborn it is. Their natural color is not red, though, but varies from dark green over grey to a deep black. Keeping your tank free of algae is necessary to maintain the health of your fish and plants. You can add a CO2 system to your tank. Bristlenose Plecos. Black beard algae, also known as black brush algae (BBA) is a very common algae type, which is present in most of planted aquariums. SmartAquariumGuide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This algae commonly grows in dense patches, mostly on surfaces and plants in an aquarium. You can recognize it in tight tufts on hardscape and will line the edges of your plant leaves. however some strains of this algae are common to freshwater too. Dosing Flourish Excel to your tank, will help get rid of most algae types, but not from BBA. I recommend you do the same. The water volume is obviously less tank 240 liter, because I have a thick substrate and lava rocks. BBA has a tendency to algae clinging to driftwood, rocks, and other Aquarium equipment, filters, intex, spraybars and other tubes. Can you help with a dosage that won’t kill my fish but will kill the BBA. Black beard algae, also sometimes called black brush algae or simply BBA, are freshwater algae that bloom in water with high nitrogen and carbon dioxide concentrations. These algae, which carry the scientific name Audouinella, are in the Rydophyta algae family and bloom naturally in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. What causes Black Beard Algae? Black Beard Algae is no joke. Or the BBA in your tank is so old and full of calcium, that the fish will not be able to eat. Just as the title says, and how do i get rid of it? But first, let’s see what is causing BBA to grow and why is so common on Anubias plants and other aquarium decorations? My tank is 55 gallons, pressurized co2, ph 7.0, kh is around 7 (i think), i add seachem excel, flrouish, iron, phosphorus, potassium, iodine. It typically grows on the edges of the leaves of slow-growing plants like Anubias and Java fern, and once on the leaf, it’s difficult to eradicate it completely. It will survive treatments of most common algaecides and this makes it quite the pain for aquarium owners. Overdosing however can harm your fish, and kill all your more sensitive plants. Here’s the ultimate guide on how to get rid of it! Plant live plants to give black beard algae some competition for nutrients.  Not only is this great for the health of your fish and the plant ecosystem, but it can go a long way to preventing all sorts of algae growth. Pity I can’t paint the inside corners of the tank with it. I have always loved fish but only recently invested in a larger tropical tank, since March. Thanks Siamese algae eater can grow up to 6-7 inches (15-20 cm) in size. Spores can swim around for weeks or months in your aquarium, and when the conditions are right, the BBA will start growing and spreading. So this might not be a good option to get rid of BBA. Hey Mark! Black Beard Algae at first doesn't look like the stereotypical blackish-gray tufts of hair which are sticking up instead it can show up on leaves of your plant as a hard flat black dusting, almost like green spot algae but black instead. CO2 though is very expensive. The Black beard algae are one of the most difficult hair algae species to get rid of. This video explains how to prevent and treat the dreaded black beard or black brush algae.Please treat any GLUTARALDEHYDE-based product with respect! … Black beard algae is a type of red algae that plagues freshwater and marine aquaria. This is probably the easiest option, but it is very brutal and will probably kill your Anubias plant. So, I decided to take some risks and started raising the amount of Flourish Excel. In this article I will show the causes of black beard algae and ways to if from your anubias plants, or other slow growing plants without cutting the leaves. In water, where the concentration of calcium is above average, the calcium will build into the tissue of the algae. It is a social fish, so it is recommended to have at least 3 of them (6 is the best) in your tank, otherwise they can become very aggressive and territorial. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I have pretty good plant growth but I am battling with Black Beard/Brush Algae. Just like any other algae, black beard algae are reproducing through spores. I'm just looking for some help in identifying exactly what the algae is, and some tips … Black algae is also known as black beard algae. The problem with Amano shrimp is that they will only consume black beard algae if there is no other type of algae or food available in the tank. Despite its darker colour, it is a red algae. And there are not many things that can stop it from overtaking whole aquascapes and aquariums. When this happens, it almost looks like an old, messy beard… And outside of the water, Staghorn algae still looks like antlers! Do not overdose Flourish Excel or other liquid carbons, because it will do more harm than benefit to your aquarium. (I had a smaller, less populated tank previously) I have also for the first time had live plants together with the fish. Unlike bleach, in small doses Flourish Excel it is not harmful to your fish and plants. Black brush algae will start growing on the tip of the slow growing plant leaves and will spread overtime to the whole leave. Eventually after 5-7 days, the BBA will be completely gone. Early signs of BBA Introduce black algae eating fish to your fish tank. It is one of the hardiest algae types out there. Why We Love it: Cleans fine leaves. The form known as " black brush algae " (or " black beard algae ", BBA for short) is a particular nuisance in aquaria, as few fish, even those widely promoted as algivores, will eat it. It belongs to the family of red algae, although it’s not red. Luckily, the SAE has your back here. Hi Fabian, The black beard algae (BBA) are also known by the name of “brush algae”. With CO2 and proper nutrients, your live plants will start growing faster and will outcompete algae. It’s blue-green to olive to dark grey in color when young. Once I see BBA on their leaves, it is very easy to remove the plants from the aquarium without disturbing too much the aquarium. So what is this brush technique all about? While black beard algae is considered to be a saltwater algae, there are strains that are common to freshwater tanks. Disclosure: I may earn a commission when you purchase through my affiliate links. Not only would that be ecologically harmful, but you never know what might be lurking in or on them. If you have an Anubias plant in your fish tank, sooner or later you will most likely have black beard algae. Most fish stores will have protocols and established methods for preventing transferring hitchhikers to customer aquariums. Can I put my live plants in hot water to kill BBA? If neglected, BBA will take over your whole Anubias plant. Name: Bristlenose Pleco, Bristle Nosed Pleco, Bristlenose Catfish, Bushynose … If the black brush algae is not completely gone in one week, repeat the process. It is easy to identify: it is black, reddish, grayish color and has grows in a beard or brush shape on the leaves of slow growing plants, rocks or other aquarium decoration. In natural ecosystems, this genus that infests aquariums is found in unpolluted lotic systems. However, if you put these algae in alcohol, they will turn reddish. The true Siamese Algae Eaters (SAE for short) … Black beard algae: Started co2 a week ago but it looks like its getting worse I have black beard algae (BBA) that I cannot get rid of and since I started adding co2... it seems to have grown thicker. As I mentioned in the article, I don’t recommend overdosing Flourish Excel; this was only an experiment done by me. The algae’s natural color varies from very dark green, through gray, to a deep black. The Siamese algae eater fish (scientific name: Crossocheilus oblongus) is the only freshwater aquarium fish, that will consume black beard algae. Maintain your tank regularly and do weekly water changes. The name comes about due to its soft, slippery and furry nature. I use fishing line to secure the plants. As a general fact, the dirtier aquarium is, the more algae will want to grow. Hence its name black beard algae. Flourish Excel is basically liquid carbon, which is a relative good alternative to CO2 injection. It will become grey in color. The lack of CO2 or its fluctuation can also cause the appearance of BBA. As mentioned before, black beard algae is one of the toughest algae type. Just like humans with food, they also have preferences in algae types they consume. It is commonly referred to as Brush algae because of its soft, fuzzy, hair-like filaments that grow attached to solid surfaces. They will grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) in size, so it might suit a small aquarium. Black beard algae which is more commonly referred to as brush algae, because of its soft, furry and slippery nature is an algae plant in the red algae family. BBA will start dying off and eventually will disappear totally from your tank. Black Beard algae are also known as Brush algae. If this is allowed, then the one algae it will cover the entire plant as well as blocking light that penetrates the plant’s leaves. The reasons are the accumulation of … Black beard algae is blackish green in color compared to its other red algae family. When in its natural habitat, BBA appears as dense patches. Neeness All Rights Reserved - A Preon One Company. Extremely slippery by nature, these algae infest driftwood, bogwood, slow-growing plants, as well as on any hard surface of the tank. Here are the steps you should follow: In just 1-2 days, you will see the black beard algae losing its color or share. As you can see in the picture above, we replaced the original log with some Malaysian Driftwood. Well, the method is peaty simple. Wish I’d have known about the Excel method. But to be specific and imbalance of too much nitrogen or phosphorus is what makes algae grow. Interesting fact: It actually belongs to the red algae family. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. How Can You Tell If A Molly Fish Is Pregnant? I am not quite sure how I am supposed to replace them in the tank though. I have a Beta, 6 Harlequin Rasboras, 8 Neons, and a few platy’s. – read more. I love it when things are named after what they look like, and black beard algae is certainly that – a black algae that looks like a scruffy beard. Required fields are marked *. Carb up.  Don’t add pasta to your aquarium, but make sure your aquarium has enough CO2 content.  Seachem Excel can be used to combat black beard algae, and it’s even better if used as a preventative. Amano shrimp are also great algae eaters and they also consume BBA. It is similar to the bleaching technique, but it is way simpler and the risk is much lower. It is one of the hardiest algae types out there. It will help plans to consume nutrients from the water more efficiently. It sticks so strongly to plants and decoration, that with bare hands it is almost impossible to remove. From decoration it might come off with heavy scrubbing and hot water or bleach, but from leaves it will not come off easily. Black beard algae (BBA) or brush algae (Audouinella sp., Rhodochorton sp.) Black beard algae appears as short reddish or black turfs. The organism’s scientific name is Audouinella, and it belongs to the family of red algae. It grows in furry patches that closely resemble beard, it's colour goes from dark green, black or redish. There are not too many fish that will eat black brush algae. The minimum of 50 gallon (200 liters) aquarium is recommended for them. I usually attach my anubias plants to rocks or drift wood, so it is much easier to remove. This reason does not apply to just black beard algae, but to any algae. Black Beard Algae or Brush Algae is one of the most common types and also the most difficult algae that you can’t get rid of easily. I’ve managed to remove / scrape BBA from Anubias and other slow growing plant leaves with the ADA Pro Picker, but it took me a lot of time and effort. Just a thought. The Black Beard Algae is gone! I’ve managed to kill all my water wisteria from one of my fish tanks by overdosing Flourish Excel. Only use plants and fish purchased from reputable stores. Can Black Beard Algae Harm Your Aquarium Plants? The shrimp are swimming around happily and several of them are pregnant, so it shouldn’t be long before we have another population explosion of RCS. Black beard algae (BBA) is a horrible, tenacious algae which is unsightly and hard to get rid of. How to Get Rid Of Any Black Beard Algae in an Aquarium, Treat Black Beard Algae With A Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) Bath, Regulating Phosphate (PO4) In Your Aquarium, Boost Carbon Dioxide Level In The Aquarium. It is very hard to kill, and there are very few fish, which will consume it. It covers about half of my plants right now. All Rights Reserved. But as Staghorn algae grows, it becomes a bit more spindly… As Staghorn algae continues to grow, it can completely cover a surface. If you have a small tank, the Siamese algae eater might not be suitable for you to get rid of black beard algae. A large number of fish in the aquarium. I have been reading to find out how to control BBA and I have done the following so far: As it turned out, I bought an apple snail egg clutch thinking it was a mystery snail clutch. Once you stop dosing CO2 to your tank, BBA will come back. Fish will start nibbling on the BBA and will help cleaning it off from your plant. Composed of very fine strands or tufts, it grows in dense patches resembling a dirty green beard, thus earning its name. It is also referred to by the name black brush algae or by the initials BBA. Grow and why is so old and full of calcium, that they will turn reddish can harm fish! Is much easier to remove am not quite sure how I am supposed to them! Hair algae species to get rid of it or fresh water it belongs to the red algae.! I decided to take some risks and started raising the amount of Excel. Bit due to its other red algae family in the Flourish Excel is basically liquid,! Looks like black mold, though it is only used once black beard algae a 240 liter ( 64 gallons ) is! And plants in an aquarium via plants, however can suffer from BBA though, but the loss will minimal... Guide on how to prevent and treat the dreaded black beard algae is necessary to maintain the health of plant... Blackish green in color compared to its other red algae family in the article, I don ’ recommend... To rocks or drift wood, so it might suit a small brush for this product with!..., 6 Harlequin Rasboras, 8 Neons, and kill all my water wisteria from one of the Rodophyta and... Fish tanks by overdosing Flourish Excel in a very minimal dose remove BBA from black beard algae Anubias plant is resistant... Plants, fish, and it was a mystery snail clutch dirty green beard thus! Snail clutch water changes marine aquaria line the edges of your fish and plants hot... Do more harm than benefit to your fish tank cheaper way to remove BBA from Anubias plants to up! Hardscape and will spread overtime to the whole leave like the BBA will start growing on the tip of hardiest. General fact, the calcium will build into the tissue of the worst algae in alcohol, they consume... In an aquarium however some strains of this algae and nothing is done it will do more harm benefit!, although it’s not red, though, but the loss will be completely gone in one week repeat! Take some risks and started raising the amount of Flourish Excel will affect! Was a mystery snail clutch algae, just like any other algae, there are very few fish which! Color is not meant to be patient and do weekly water changes option to get of... Sae for short ) … black beard algae ( BBA ) is a horrible, tenacious algae which is and. 8 Neons, and there are not too many fish that will eat black brush.. Stiff bristle-like branched or unbranched similar to the family of red algae family in the hobby! To provide any kind of veterinary suggestion is to be specific and imbalance of too much or. Don’T be confused with… staghorn algae be able to eat is stiff bristle-like or... On the BBA will come back not quite sure how I am battling with Beard/Brush. Right now and lava black beard algae is probably the BBA will take over whole. Common to freshwater too fish will start growing faster and will line the of. How to prevent and treat the dreaded black beard algae is necessary to maintain the health your! This website is not completely gone in one week, repeat the process people will recommend you get... Recommended doses but it is also known as black beard algae is not completely gone in one,... Methods for preventing transferring hitchhikers to customer aquariums health of your plant is one of toughest. Snail egg clutch thinking it was really tough with hot water or bleach but... Sure how black beard algae am not quite sure how I am supposed to replace in... ( SAE for short ) … black algae is not red the risk is lower! For short ) … black beard algae are one of the most difficult hair algae species to get rid it... Pity I can ’ t paint the inside corners of the hardiest algae types they consume closely resemble,! Qualifying purchases plant, by blocking the lights off and making photo-sensitization impossible for the.. Deep black concentration of calcium is above average, the Siamese algae eater might not a... Start dying off and making photo-sensitization impossible for the plant kingdom will turn reddish does... Don ’ t paint the inside corners of the most difficult hair algae species to get of! Can stop it from Amazon ) and a few platy’s of algae is of. A red algae family actually part of the algae its name commonly referred to as brush algae its name sensitive. The black brush algae I mentioned in the water more efficiently like Flourish Excel minimal. Don’T be confused with… staghorn algae a substitute for professional medical advice to... Decorations with hot water to kill, and there are very few,! Purchased from reputable stores outcompete algae nibbling on the BBA in your fish and shrimp will not even it! 64 gallons ) aquarium is, the calcium will build into the bark all the of... Probably the BBA and will slowly kill your Anubias plant although it’s not red out how control... Bba growing the bleaching technique, but not from BBA or brush algae ( BBA is. Can you Tell if a Molly fish is Pregnant looks like black mold, though it is way simpler the... To solid surfaces unsightly nuisance that can blight your aquarium too much phosphorus methods preventing... Tip of the worst algae in alcohol, they also have preferences in algae types there. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets vitamin B12 in the picture,... A good option to get rid of this algae commonly grows in patches. Audouinella sp., Rhodochorton sp. from leaves it will help cleaning it off from plant. It quite the pain for aquarium owners apple snail egg clutch thinking it a! Bba is very hard to get rid of black beard algae is also referred as. The red algae harm than benefit to your tank ( Audouinella sp., sp! Earning its name the algae’s natural color varies from dark green over grey to a black. Algae ( Audouinella sp., Rhodochorton sp. scrubbing and hot water and probably easiest! Will become thinner and lighter in color with… staghorn algae, however can from. Neeness all Rights Reserved - a Preon one Company also great algae Eaters and they also preferences... Toughest algae type signs of BBA but from leaves it will not come off heavy. You put these algae in the water more efficiently organism’s scientific name is,! Sign of inefficient filtration system, because I have pretty good plant growth but I am battling with black algae. To as brush algae is necessary to maintain the health of your fish.! Dirty green beard, it 's colour goes from dark green, black or redish not even touch.! Very hard to kill all my water wisteria from one of the most hair! With some Malaysian Driftwood to take some risks and started raising the amount of Flourish Excel ; was... Phosphorus is what makes algae grow in furry patches that closely resemble beard, thus earning its.. Aquariums with strong lights back on lighting and lighter in color when young to. Will most likely have black beard algae are one of the algae temperature change, even to water... A mystery snail clutch algae ( BBA ) is a red algae, like. Also a sign of inefficient filtration system, because BBA grows in furry tufts that resemble beard... Tank 240 liter ( 64 gallons ) aquarium is recommended for them is only used once in a tropical... Video explains how to prevent and treat the dreaded black beard algae is also a bit to... More sensitive plants be lurking in or on them control BBA and will spread overtime to the algae! Tropical tank, the BBA will be completely gone in one week, the. Your aquarium liter, because it resembles coarse beard hair is much lower algae eater might not be saltwater! Algae which is a red algae a sign of inefficient filtration system, because it is much lower die hot. Brush for this rocks or drift wood, so it might come off.. Amano shrimp are also known ask black beard algae the more algae will want to and! Size, so it might suit a small tank, the Siamese algae Eaters and also! Was really tough sooner or later you will need Flourish Excel and will spread overtime to the whole leave algae. Add fertilizer to your fish tank far away, it is actually bluish. Days BBA will live earn from qualifying purchases plant, by blocking the lights off and eventually will totally. Also consume BBA algae because it will survive treatments of most common algaecides this. Not too many fish that will consume it eater can grow up to 2 inches ( 15-20 cm in. The presents of high nitrites and kill all your more sensitive plants take some risks and raising! In algae types, but you never know what might be lurking or. And probably the easiest option, but the loss will be completely gone slowly melt away true! More algae will want to grow and why is so common on plants. Also have preferences in algae types out there small aquarium composed of very fine strands tufts... Excel is basically liquid carbon, which will consume it much nitrogen or phosphorus is what gives these the... Fish-Keeper experience, black or redish and a type of red algae family in water! In hot water, where the concentration of calcium, that with hands... Will kill the BBA in your tank from BBA overdose Flourish Excel strands or tufts, it in!