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Classification of Brush Algae

Brush algae is a species of red algae -- a common variety of the genus Audouinella -- which can present a beleaguering problem for freshwater aquarium hobbyists. Thriving off of phosphate and nitrates, brush algae can infest gravel; plant life, particularly at the edges of newly-forming leaves; and filter tubes. Like all species of algae, it reproduces via spores, and eliminating it from aquarium tanks can be a frustrating task.

Appearance
- Brush algae is one of three red algae varieties, manifesting itself as black thread-like tufts of fur around 2 to 3 mm long. It is similar in appearance to beard algae, which is longer and finer, and a third, bristly variety that grows in dark round spots. In nature, brush algae is adapted to thrive in fast-moving, freshwater streams. As a result, it has the ability to steadfastly adhere to any solid surface, making it particularly difficult to remove.
Causes
- Brush algae spores are usually transferred into aquariums via contaminated plants or store-bought fish, and the algae subsequently establishes itself throughout the tank. Aquarium hobbyists that use aquatic sediment or soil from riverbeds also may encounter problems with brush algae, as these substances are rich in nutrients like iron and manganese. Brush algae becomes especially prolific in dimmer environments, when other aquarium plant growth is hindered and cannot draw sufficient amount of nutrients from the water column.
Prevention
- The best way to deal with brush algae is to prevent the spores from entering and establishing themselves in the tank. Disinfect plant leaves and aquarium equipment with a highly-diluted bleach solution prior to transferring newly-bought fish and avoid using water from aquarium shops. Remove infected plant leaves as soon as brush algae growth is detected. Brush algae can thrive off of excess iron in the water, so limiting iron, or providing only trace amounts of iron to promote healthy plant growth, can be beneficial.
Removing Brush Algae
- If preventative measures fail, brush algae problems can be managed with algae eaters, such as the Siamese algae eater (Crossocheilus siamensis), the only fish known to eat algae, and the Japanese marsh shrimp (Caridina japonica). Chemical copper algicide treatments also are effective, though they should be used only as a last resort. Copper kills red algae when other algicides cannot, though it might also kill certain aquarium plants. For a successful treatment, the copper concentration in the water should be maintained at 0.5 ppm for seven to 10 days.

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