Black beard algae driftwood

[Joe Gatchell]

I have some driftwood that at one point in time had Blackbeard algae on it. It has been out of the water for over a year. Do you think there is a chance that the Blackbeard algae could have survived on it? I have been thinking about using it again.

 

[Mike Wise]

Algae spore can live for centuries out of water. If it were mine, I would bleach the wood, rinse well and dechlorinate, and then make sure the water is pristine and lighting is correct. Low light is the primary cause of beard algae, isn't it?

 

[Joe Gatchell]

Algae spore can live for centuries out of water. If it were mine, I would bleach the wood, rinse well and dechlorinate, and then make sure the water is pristine and lighting is correct. Low light is the primary cause of beard algae, isn't it?

centuries?? That's one tough organism!

 

[Joe Gatchell]

Just an update on this. I've reused the wood and not seen a reemergence of Blackbeard. It's in a moderately planted tank as well so that might be helping.