[predator84]

i got a 50gal tank with a 3" leopard ctenopoma , 6" senegal bichir , a 3" blood parrot cichlid , a 4" striped doradid catfish , and a 4" red finned shark . ph is neutral. temp is76 degrees fairenhiet . i got black fuzz or hair starting to spread thru out the tank . question is what is it and how do i control it ?

[Hotspot]

Hi there & welcome to AP

Sounds like algae, do you have pics ?
When algae thrive it's normally an imbalance of certain "pollutants" (very often phosphates for example). There are many ways to cope with this, easiest (and with very many other benefits) is imho to just keep the tank clean .

I'd vaccuum the gravel and change 50-70 percent of the tankwater (together with a good declorinator/water conditioner). Look out for uneaten food and do perform those waterchanges every two weeks, every week absolute would not hurt if you have the time .

EDIT: I'd also check your lighting. Especially flourescent tubes "loose" their designated spectrum of light and general output after some time (T8 tubes (the thick ones) should be replaced after ~1 year of use), sometimes the changed spectrum boosts algae growth.

greets

Peter

This post has been edited by Hotspot: 05 December 2010 - 02:29 PM

[threeguns]

i have the same algae on a old piece od wood in my 100 gal I tried to scrub it off but in like 3 weeks it was back I think its harmless .. if u dont want to see it get rid of the wood.. that will take care of that..