BBA (Black Beard Algae)

Definition

BBA (black beard algae) is a red algae species (despite the name) that appears as black/dark-purple bristles on rocks, plants, and equipment. The most-feared planted-tank algae.

Practical use

Cause: low CO2 + unstable parameters + poor flow. Treatment: liquid carbon (Excel/Easy Carbo) spot dose, manual removal, increase CO2 to consistent green-drop-checker. Siamese algae eaters (true SAE) eat BBA - one of the few species that does.

Browse the full glossary.