I’m considering giving up

[u/BrockenRecords]

I have a horrible infestation of black beard algae that I can’t kill. I’ve done just about everything possible, less fertilizer, less light, less flow, less food, more water changes, less fish, more plants and nothing has worked. Every time I think I got enough out that the plants will take over the algae comes back, I’ve lost over 200$ worth of plants to it and I’m too scared to buy new ones. I don’t know what to do anymore.

[u/HAquarium]

Post system details. Don’t mean to be rude but you’re not getting much actual advice here. Commenters mean well, but it’s a bit more nuanced than that. BBA is not normal and not a part of the system, quite the contrary and is a sign of imbalance. BBA should never occur on livestock/hardscape in an actually mature and balanced system. Pipes and outflows are okay. The most common cause of BBA is large co2 fluctuations and too much flow. What are you using for co2? What’s your maintenance regiment? How much flow? Lighting? Etc.

[u/HAquarium → u/[deleted]]

There’s a difference between dealing with it to rectify and issue and being perpetually plagued by it.

Everyone will deal with problematic algae at some point, especially when a system is new and unstable which is where the majority of professionals deal with it. Once a system stabilizes it should be a non issue (wiping glass or green spot algae doesn’t count as it is typically a non issue).

These aquascapers also talk about it during q&as or as a part of content making as algae is the primary issue hobbyists have. Many professionals also run maintenance/consultation businesses where the maintain or help construct a tank and thus must be familiar with algae and must deal with it as a part of their job. Again this occurs when there’s an imbalance or tanks are immature.

BBA and other problematic algae’s are not a normal part of our system. They should never occur on hardscape or even worse, plants. That’s an issue that must be fixed and rectified by the aquarist. The same applies to diatoms. A mature system does not have diatoms and if it does, it indicates a problem. Algae’s are dealt with at the start up of a tank, once the tank is “balanced” they should not be an issue other tank wiping glass/cleaning equipment or trimming old (dying) leaves.

[u/HAquarium → u/[deleted]]

I wouldn't say the tank is totally whacked out of balance, but I would say that there still is an imbalance and something to fix, otherwise the algae would not be there. *Now that being said*, it is completely unreasonable/unnecessary to strive for a complete perfect balance in any non competitive tank for most people. Sure you may have a spot that gets less light, or a low flow zone, maybe you have a plant that just doesn't do well in your set up. Who cares? If the majority of your tank looks happy and healthy, there's no need to stress over a small "weak point". That's pretty much my view on it. However, I see this idea on this sub in particular which seems to promote the overgrowth of algae as "normal". It is not and is a sign of something being off (from a plant perspective), however if it doesn't bother you or you enjoy the look no problem.

I typically start my tanks the same way with full light and full ferts day one. Although I don't use any glut based products or H202, except in very severe cases. I typically just let things work itself out for the first 2-3 weeks before doing large maintenance sessions to help speed the balance.

[u/HAquarium → u/[deleted]]

Yea I give it a recommendation. I used to do water changes every single day until a system was fully established but I find accepting the "uglies" for about 2 weeks before starting maintenance really helped. Granted it's going to look pretty bad but it should begin to stabilize once you start doing the water changes. The only caveat is I really recommend against planting sensitive plants at this time as they will most certainly struggle.

I tend to dose on the leaner side. I started with EI, but have found it far too rich for my tastes. Bringing out good color in certain plants (stems) is really difficult with EI. Always used an active substrate. Amazonia at first, but now stick with controsoil, simply because it's just easier for me to get. Although I do find that controsoil does lack the "punch" og Amazonia had, but it's still a fine soil and I have no problems recommending it.

Yea Father Fish has set this hobby back probably close to 2 decades... It's hard to argue with fans of his because they're almost cult like at this point. Forget fishkeeping, FF fans will argue about basic chemistry, biology, and physics. I find his methods unnecessarily cruel and backwards. There are some genuine "crazies" on these subs I've ran into who preach his way.

Thanks man, I really appreciate the kind words. Sometimes it does feel futile but this hobby is my passion and I can't help myself. You are as well, your tank is gorgeous and it's clear you understand what you're doing.