Stubborn algae species that sit very firmly in the aquarium, such as black beard algae, can be quite difficult to remove. These annoying algae like to settle on driftwood, stones, aquarium equipment, and also on the leaf edges of slow-growing plant species such as Anubias or Bucephalandra. Here we show you a good way to get rid of this unsightly algae plague.

A slow-growing Bucephalandra with black beard algae growing along the leaf edges, as is typical.

The Easy Carbo bath

While our article on the local treatment of algae using an Easy Carbo treatment deals more with fighting algae in the aquarium itself, here we would like to introduce another method. An external bath for plants or objects infested with algae works well if you can easily take the affected objects and aquarium plants out of the aquarium. Moss cushions, epiphytes, or even whole stones or pieces of driftwood certainly count among them. Especially robust, hard-leaved aquatic plants such as Anubias, Java ferns and Bucephalandra can be treated quite simply and effectively this way.

For a bath with Easy Carbo, you prepare a suitable bath in a container that is large enough to hold the affected parts. For this we use Easy Carbo, which we mix with water in a ratio of 1:10 (Easy Carbo to water). Now the plants to be treated are placed into this bath and left in it for about 15 seconds. More robust plants with hard leaves (such as Bucephalandra, Java ferns and Anubias) can also be left in the bath longer - for a maximum of 3 minutes.

After the time is up, you take the parts out of the bath again, rinse them thoroughly under running water and can then put them back into the aquarium.

Some algae species react quite quickly to this treatment and show it by a change of color. Green algae turn grayish, while red algae turn grayish to pink or violet. With some types of algae such as black beard algae, however, such a reaction can take up to a day. So you should have a bit of patience to judge whether the measure has worked.

After one day, the treated black beard algae change their color.

To remove the algae damaged by the Easy Carbo bath for good, it is best to have some algae eaters in the aquarium, such as Amano shrimp or dwarf shrimp. After some time, they will eat up the remains of the algae completely.

Tackling the cause

Please note: with this measure you are only treating the symptoms, that is, the existing algae. It is almost more important to look for the cause that favors the algae growth. In many cases, there is a nutrient imbalance in the aquarium. In our algae guide, you will find a lot of information on what is best done against specific types of algae such as black beard algae or Cladophora sp., so that the causes of the algae growth are eliminated or at least minimized.

Safety notes and disclaimer

This treatment method can only be used outside of the aquarium. Please read and follow the product's safety instructions before use. Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes and clothing, as well as direct contact with animals or other aquatic plants. Wearing appropriate protective clothing (goggles, gloves) is recommended. As a rule, using Easy Carbo only affects the algae and not the plants. Depending on the sensitivity of the aquatic plants, however, damage to them cannot be completely ruled out at times. Use at your own risk! We accept no liability for any damage that may occur.