Can Algae-Covered Aquatic Plants Be Saved? The Complete Rehabilitation Handbook

Section 1: Diagnostic Assessment

1.1 Algae Type Identification

  • Green Dust Algae (GDA): Wipeable surface film
  • Green Spot Algae (GSA): Pinhead-sized hard dots
  • Fuzz Algae: Short filaments on leaf edges
  • Staghorn Algae: Grey-green branching strands

1.2 Plant Vitality Check

  • Recoverable Signs: Intact roots, firm stems
  • Beyond Salvage: Mushy texture, disintegrating leaves

Section 2: Emergency Interventions

2.1 Physical Removal Protocols

  • Manual Cleaning:
    • Soft toothbrush for delicate plants
    • Razor blade for Anubias rhizomes
  • Bath Treatments:
    • Bleach dip (5% solution for 2 minutes)
    • Hydrogen peroxide soak (3% for 5 minutes)

2.2 Tank-Wide Adjustments

ParameterCrisis SettingMaintenance LevelLighting4-6 hours/day6-8 hoursCO₂30-35 ppm20-30 ppmFlowIncreased 20%Normal

Section 3: Biological Recovery System

3.1 Nutrient Balancing

  • Ideal Ratios:
    • N:P:K = 10:1:10
    • Fe:Mn = 2:1
  • Corrective Dosing:
    • Potassium phosphate for GSA
    • Iron chelate for chlorosis

3.2 Ecosystem Allies

  • Cleanup Crew:
    • Amano shrimp (5/gal)
    • Otocinclus catfish (3/10gal)
  • Competitor Plants:
    • Floating species (Salvinia minima)
    • Fast-stemmers (Hygrophila polysperma)

Section 4: Long-Term Prevention Framework

4.1 Maintenance Schedule

  • Daily: Visual inspection
  • Weekly:
    • 30% water change
    • Fertilizer testing
  • Monthly:
    • Filter maintenance
    • Pruning session

4.2 Equipment Optimization

  • Lighting:
    • Use PAR meter
    • Install timer
  • Filtration:
    • Add phosphate remover
    • Increase flow turnover

Section 5: Case Studies

  • Case 1: 55-gallon tank recovery in 28 days
  • Case 2: Moss rehabilitation timeline
  • Case 3: CO₂-related algae outbreak resolution