The appearance of xenococcus quite often becomes a problem for both novice aquarists and verified specialists. I do not advise this situation to ignore this situation, Otherwise, the usual green dots on the plants sheets and the bottom of the tank will lead to a gradual deterioration of the state of all underwater inhabitants. First of all, the plants will begin to suffer, and then the state of fish will change in the negative direction.
What it is?
Xenocus - in essence, this is a single-celled colonial algae, which grows on plants and existing artificial surfaces, that is, the walls of the tank, shell, decorative elements and other objects . In fact, they are always present in the aquarium, but the real problem begin to represent only in the case of uncontrolled growth. The speed of development of xenococcus is rather low, and therefore from plants it prefers shady slow-growing or non-developing species at all.
As a rule, the appearance of one type of algae contributes to further development and others, for example: threads, black beard or green algae. Measures in this case should be operational to avoid more serious trouble.
Basic symptoms
The appearance of xenococcus is quite easy to notice. This in this case is about green points, gradually emerging on the leaves of plants, decorative elements, filter, compressor and the walls of the aquarium. The longer the intervention is postponed, the greater the frank surface turns out . As noted above, Xenococcus becomes a problem only for slow-growing plants, so the "high-speed" long stem species should not be wary. Over time, individual points are combined into large specks, the diameter of which varies from 5 to 7 millimeters.
To the touch, their surface becomes tough and even rough. In this case, it will be impossible to free themselves from algae, so plants should be completely eliminated.
In general, successful results will be able to achieve only if you take operational measures as soon as the first dots appear.
Causes of appearance
Most often, xenococcus starts in the aquarium with insufficient phosphorus content in water. Inapting this element, plants cease to develop, as well as absorb nitrogen. As a result, nitrates are accumulated in the reservoir, which contributes to the development of algae. Strong lighting only aggravates this process. Most often, the lack of phosphorus becomes significant when a new aquarium is settled and after planting plants takes place from one and a half to two months.
In this case It would be nice to hold a feeder or increase the amount of food used for fish containing phosphorus . Fertilizers are brought in such a way that the liter of water accounted for 0.5 mg of the element, but it is still better to give preference to complex compositions.
If the reservoir has not changed, and the lack of phosphorus is still noticeable, then The main cause of what is happening are fertilizers. Moreover, the situation may be twofold: either too little contributed, or the composition used is unsuccessful. Quite often, the appearance of xenococcus, following the construction of planted plants, turns out to be the result of overpressure together with the achievement of the minimum permissible level of carbon dioxide equal to 4 mg / l.
Generally, The longer the light day, the faster the unpleasant algae develops. For aquarium plants, the optimal indicator is from 9 to 10 hours per day, and the excess of this gap contributes to the development of xenococcus. It is absolutely exactly that if the light in the aquarium will burn more than 10 hours, then soon the walls of the reservoir will cover with green dots. In addition, the intensity of the light flux is also important. In the case when it exceeds the level of the norm, the development of algae will accelerate.
But in general, Most harmful disputes are in the reservoir together with plants, feed and fish. If the conditions are favorable, they begin to multiply quickly. Ksenokokus disputes are particularly dangerous at the moment when a new aquarium is settled, since the exchange of substances in plants at this time is quite low, which means they themselves are relaxed and can even die.
The likelihood of such a situation is significantly reduced if the tank is initially thickly populated by fast-growing cultures.
How to deal?
To defeat the xenococcus with prickly means is quite real, but to completely get rid of the problem in the presence of a well-lit aquarium, unfortunately, will not work. Nevertheless, many drugs and leaving activities for the better change the situation. First of all, it will be necessary to normalize the situation: adjust the carbon dioxide, start regularly replacing water and minimize the lighting.
The length of the daylight should correspond to 10 hours, and the intensity is selected depending on the needs of the inhabitants of the tank . In the case when two varieties of plants are present in the aquarium (which love the light and who love shadow), then they will have to place them in such a way that the first to create a shadow for the second.
Water substitutions must be weekly, and you need to use 20-30% of the volume of the entire fluid. In addition to the sanitary function, it will provide the balance of macrobremia and will prevent their excessive contribution. It makes sense to populate a reservoir of a certain species of fish and snails that consume green algae. In addition, if green points appeared, they will immediately remove them if possible. As a rule, it turns out to be cleaned only artificial surfaces, but the plants will have to throw away.
In general, Xenococcus specks better remove immediately as they noticed that they would not have the opportunity to gain themselves in the available subjects.
As a rule, normalizing actions eliminate the problem, since green points are not the most important danger. Preparations are used in the case when the above methods are not enough.
First of all recommended the use of algicides of a completely any manufacturer . The minimum quantity will immediately lead to the destruction of algae, extremely sensitive to this medium. During use, be sure to follow the instructions. Unfortunately, algicides are struggling with symptoms, and not with the cause, but because the xenococcus does not return, it is important to modify the current system anyway.
No less effective is considered Sitex created from a colorless solution of glutar aldehyde in combination with a fine-cell activator. The tool should be applied with extreme caution, since the dose excess leads to unexpected consequences. For processing 100 liters of water, only 18-20 milliliters of the composition with the required concentration will be required.
The introduction of it continues throughout the interval from the week to 10 days, although in a difficult situation it makes sense to increase the duration of treatment. This drug not only performs disinfection of all existing items, but also disinfects livestock and eliminates fungal and viral lesions.
Specialists do not advise novice aquarists to work with Sitex. This substance exhibits itself efficiently only when it is selected in the correct concentration, which is difficult to achieve the first time.
It is necessary to mention that Sometimes an incomprehensible seal is detected in the aquarium. We are talking about Anubias - In essence, the same xenococcus, but not already deserted and on time. Its rigidity and density do not allow to eliminate the problem even mechanically, and therefore It makes sense to use algicide: Dial it into the syringe and introduce a weak jet for processing rocky education. Help in the struggle can also peroxide hydrogen and erythromycin.
Prevention measures
As already mentioned above, one of the main preventive measures becomes the right length of the daylight, determining depending on the inhabitants of the aquarium. This also includes the use of the right lighting devices, and regular substitution of water. For this purpose, by the way, it is better to use a sparkling liquid . Play an important role and feeding, the composition of which is determined based on the needs of shady plants. We must not forget about filters and aerators, as well as the addition of creatures feeding with xenococcus to the aquarium.
It is also necessary to clarify that in any aquarium there is some confrontation between plants and algae, especially if we are talking about just a filled tank. Therefore, which of them will win a new situation, he will "edit". If xenococcus turns out to be faster, then it instantly populates the existing cultures, not giving them the opportunity to safely develop and limit the intake of the necessary nutrients. If the plants grow faster and the entire aquarium will float, then the malicious algae will not have a chance.
To achieve the optimal ratio of forces It is important to ensure the appropriate environment for the development of selected green plantings, as well as deprive the comfort of algae.
To stimulate higher plants, you can try to reduce the number of fish for a while, to enter into a habit of regular cleaning of the soil, and also not forget about the replacement of water.
On how to get rid of xenococcus, see the next video.