The appearance of xenococcus quite often becomes a problem for both beginner aquarists and proven professionals. In no case do not advise to ignore this situation, otherwise, ordinary green dots on the leaves of plants 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 the fish will change in the negative direction.
What it is?
Xenocus - in fact, it is a single-celled colonial algae that 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 they begin to pose a real problem only in the case of uncontrolled growth. The rate of development of xenococcus is rather low, and therefore, from plants, he prefers shady slowly growing or non-developing species.
As a rule, the appearance of one species of algae contributes to the further development of others, for example: nitrite, black beard or green algae. The measures in this case should be prompt in order to avoid more serious troubles.
Main symptoms
The appearance of xenococcus is pretty easy to spot. In this case we are talking about green dots that gradually appear on the leaves of plants, decorative elements, a filter, a compressor and the walls of the aquarium. The longer the intervention is delayed, the larger the flooded surface. As noted above, xenococcus becomes a problem only for slow-growing plants, therefore, “speedy” long stem species should not be feared. Over time, individual points combine into large spots, the diameter of which varies from 5 to 7 millimeters.
To the touch, their surface becomes hard and even rough. In this case, it will be impossible to get rid of the algae, so the leaves of the plants will have to be completely eliminated.
In general, successful results can only be achieved if operational measures are taken as soon as the first dots appear.
Reasons for the appearance
Most often, a xenococus is started in the aquarium with insufficient phosphorus in the water. Lacking this element, plants cease to develop, as well as absorb nitrogen. As a result, nitrates accumulate in the tank, which contributes to the development of algae. Strong lighting only exacerbates this process. Most often, phosphorus deficiency becomes significant when a new aquarium is populated and after planting, it takes from one and a half to two months.
In this case it would be good to feed or increase the amount of phosphorus-containing feed used for fish. Fertilizers are applied in such a way that 0.5 mg of the element is per liter of water, however, it is better to give preference to complex formulations.
If the reservoir has not changed, and the lack of phosphorus is still noticeable, then the main reason for what is happening is fertilizer. Moreover, the situation may be twofold: either they were contributed too little, or the composition used is unsuccessful. Quite often, the appearance of a xenococcus following a halt to the development of planted plants is the result of excessive illumination along with the achievement of the minimum acceptable level of carbonic acid equal to 4 mg / L.
At all, the longer the daylight hours, the faster the unpleasant algae develops. For aquarium plants, the optimal indicator is from 9 to 10 hours a day, and exceeding this interval already contributes to the development of xenococcus. It is absolutely certain that if the light in the aquarium burns for more than 10 hours, then soon the walls of the tank will be covered with green dots. In addition, the intensity of the light flux is also important. In the event that it exceeds the normal level, the development of algae will accelerate.
But in general, most harmful spores end up in the tank along with plants, food and fish. If the conditions are favorable, then they begin to multiply rapidly. Xenococcus spores are especially dangerous at the moment when a new aquarium is populated, since the metabolism of plants at this time is quite low, which means that they themselves are weakened and may even die.
The likelihood of such a situation is significantly reduced if the reservoir is initially densely populated by rapidly developing crops.
How to fight?
Defeating xenococus with improvised means is quite realistic, but unfortunately, it will not work to completely get rid of the problem with a well-lit aquarium. Nevertheless, many drugs and care measures for the better change the situation. First of all, it will be necessary to normalize the situation: adjust the supply of carbon dioxide, begin to regularly replace water and minimize lighting.
The length of daylight should correspond to 10 hours, and the intensity should be selected depending on the needs of the inhabitants of the tank. In the case when there are two varieties of plants in the aquarium (those who love light and who love shadow), they will have to be placed in such a way that the former create a shadow for the latter.
Water changes should be weekly, with 20-30% of the total liquid volume to be used. In addition to the sanitary function, this will ensure a balance of macro-fertilizers and prevent their excessive application. It makes sense to populate a certain type of tank with fish and snails that consume green algae. In addition, if green dots appear, then they will immediately be removed if possible. As a rule, only artificial surfaces can be cleaned, but the plants will have to be thrown away.
In general, the spots of xenococcus are best removed immediately, as they noticed, so that they would not be able to gain a foothold on existing objects.
As a rule, normalizing actions eliminate the problem, since green dots are not the main danger. Drugs are used even when the above methods are not enough.
Primarily the use of algicides of any manufacturer is recommended. The minimum amount will immediately lead to the destruction of algae, extremely sensitive to this tool. During use, be sure to follow the instructions. Unfortunately, algaecides fight symptoms, not cause, but because the xenococus doesn’t return, it’s important to modify the existing system anyway.
No less spectacular is considered Sidexcreated from a colorless solution of glutaraldehyde in combination with a finely fractioned activator. The tool should be used with extreme caution, since exceeding the dose leads to unexpected consequences. To process 100 liters of water, only 18–20 milliliters of the composition with the required concentration will be required.
Its introduction lasts for a period of a week to 10 days, although in a difficult situation it makes sense to increase the duration of treatment. This drug not only disinfects all available items, but also disinfects animals and eliminates fungal and viral lesions.
Specialists do not advise beginner aquarists to work with Sidex. This substance is effective only if it is selected in the correct concentration, which is difficult to achieve the first time.
It must be mentioned that sometimes an incomprehensible seal is found in the aquarium. We are talking about anubias - in fact, the same xenococus, but already outdated and not cleaned in time. Its rigidity and density do not allow to solve the problem even mechanically, and therefore it makes sense to use algicide: draw it into a syringe and inject it with a weak stream to treat a stony formation. Hydrogen peroxide and erythromycin can also help in the fight.
Preventive measures
As already mentioned above, one of the main preventive measures is the correct length of daylight hours, which depends on the existing inhabitants of the aquarium. This also includes the use of proper lighting, and regular water changes. To this end, by the way, it is better to use the settled liquid. Feeding, the composition of which is determined based on the needs of shady plants, plays an important role. We must not forget about filters and aerators, as well as adding creatures that feed on xenococus to the aquarium.
It is also necessary to clarify that in any aquarium there is a kind of confrontation between plants and algae, especially when it comes to a freshly filled tank. Therefore, which of them is the first to master the new situation, he will “rule”. If the xenococus is faster, then it instantly populates the existing crops, preventing them from developing quietly and restricting the flow of essential nutrients. If plants grow faster and fill the entire aquarium, then harmful algae will no longer have a chance.
To achieve an optimal balance of forces, It is important to provide an appropriate environment for the development of selected green spaces, as well as to deprive the comfort of algae.
To stimulate higher plants, you can try to temporarily reduce the number of fish, add to the habit of regular cleansing of the soil, and also do not forget about replacing water.
See how to get rid of xenococcus in the next video.
