Hi JasonC
The name of the fishop is Goay Enterprise
Email : oonthong@tm.net.my
Tel : 604 641 5788

I asked my friend translated an article in Aqua Journal (in Japanese version). Even Takashi's big tank at his house has some algae inside, but he let the algae grow on the drift woods instead of aquatic plants. he said with a proper caring should be no big problem. And the dead leaves must clear it everyday.

The below info is from http://www.aquatic-gardeners.org/driftwood.html, that I paste it in here sharing with you.
"I often use branchy driftwood such as Old Black Wood without attaching aquatic plants on them, exposing their surface in order to take advantage of their texture and line. When used this way, the lines of dark driftwood tighten up an aquascape and clearly define the composition. However, some attention is required since algae tend to grow better on a bare surface of driftwood than on aquatic plants. Although putting herbivores into an aquarium is an effective way to deal with algae, Yamato Numa Ebi and Otocinclus are not effective for some type of algae. The green algae that lightly covers the entire surface of driftwood and black beard algae tends to grow on a bare surface of driftwood. For this type of algae, Siamese Flying Fox (Crossocheilus siamensis) and Parotocinclus maculicauda are effective. If algae growth is significant, you can drain the water from your aquarium and apply Phyton-Git with a brush directly on the driftwood exposed to air."

Hi Nas,

IMO Healthy substrate keep BGA away, IMHO all those $$$ of stuff they use in the substrate minimizes BGA issues and produces a steady amount of NO3 without depending too much on dosing.

Phython Git is mentioned as a treatment method for Cyano.
In any case i expect this is a finely balanced act.

Me thinks there's a lot going on in the substrate and around it. A leap of faith on the $$$ to be sure but spending so much on the Aquasoil, Powersand, PenacP,PenacW+bacter 100+Clear super, Tourmaline BC should account for something.

The more i see it, it seems the ADA tank is like a finely tune sports car all researched for you and sand tanks are like a kancil that needs so much more fine tuning +modification and understanding to run like a sports car.
Which is more fun is ultimately for you to decide.

Regards

Stan

__________________
So many aquascapes, so little time...http://www.my-mac.net/forum/

hi jason,
BBA, beard and GSA are my good friends and i don't think i can part with them.
IMO you can't escape it if you have exposed branchy wood or rock.
Yes the treatment is pretty straightforward.[Phyton Git again!]
However I'd rather remove the thing manually than put in SAE's in moss tanks.

Regards

Stan

__________________
So many aquascapes, so little time...http://www.my-mac.net/forum/

anybody know what type of algae is this and how to kill it???

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Thread algae. Trim it off. If not mistaken, it is something like PH or NO3 swing... google it then...

thks bro......

I read that siamese algae eaters can clear these type of algae. been to so many lfs near my place include 88 and BB18, but they don't sell 'em. do you think AI has any?

East Aqua at Maluri have SAE. I just went there yesterday night

BB18 doing the retail sale? Thought they are doing the whole selling now.

Btw, SAE available in Fish Paradise, Aquatic World, NA and Irene aquarium. Please do remember. Get the smaller size or young SAE. They will eat certain algae if there is no food for them. If you are feeding your fish. Make sure the pellet is floating type. Otherwise, the SAE will eat the pellet instead of the algae.