Filamentous algae is the most intrusive and dreadful in aquariums among many different types of algae.
It has hair-like appearance which often get it confused with other types of hair algae.
Yes, many types of algae have hair-like appearance.
The main difference is that Filamentous algae can grow without necessary attaching itself to any surface.
Strings of Filamentous algae simply wraps around plants and rocks.
It gets in aquariums often undetected as a tiny string that comes along with other plants, snails and such.
It grows rapidly from any small string even in the harsh conditions no other plants can survive.
Each and all strings have to be removed physically from aquariums for preventing any further damage.
Any tiny string of Filamentous algae left in the aquarium will keep regrowing back and spreading out fast.
Remove everything already affected by the Filamentous algae all in one piece as soon as possible.
Left as it is the Filamentous algae will take over the entire aquarium.
As in this example.
This aquarium with all the plants in it is already lost to the Filamentous algae.
At this point it's only possible to move the fish into a quarantine tank.
Everything in heavily contaminated with Filamentous algae aquarium has to be disposed of.
It takes weeks of quarantine before fish and anything else could be moved safely to the main aquarium.
Take no chances or you will have to deal with Filamentous algae again and again.
Interestingly, many types of fish, snails and other critters feed on Filamentous algae.
I used Filamentous algae as the main source of food for dwarf guppies in my first attempt in making self-feeding sustaining aquariums.
Unfortunately, Filamentous algae took over all aquariums I tried it in leaving no space for fish to swim.
Please check my previous videos about it :)
Quarantine everything new, no matter where it comes from, for preventing Filamentous algae from getting into your aquariums.
This is the way.
Have fun and Happy aquariums :)
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