What is Black Beard Algae, and why is it in my shrimp tank?

As an aquarist, one of the most frustrating challenges you may face is the appearance of Black Beard Algae (BBA). Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hobbyist, Black Beard Algae can quickly take over your shrimp tank, making it unsightly and potentially harmful to your tank’s ecosystem. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about identifying, controlling, and removing Black Beard Algae in a shrimp tank. You’ll discover practical methods, useful tips, and preventative strategies to keep your tank algae-free and thriving.

What in the World is Black Beard Algae?

Black Beard Algae (often called BBA by those of us who have had to deal with it one too many times) is not some cool, rugged thing growing in your tank that makes it look more natural. Nope. It is a type of red algae that can cling to your plants, rocks, and pretty much anything else in there. And it is sneaky. It starts off small, but next thing you know, it is everywhere, turning everything in your beautiful shrimp tank into a black, fuzzy mess. Shrimp might not mind it at first, but it sure messes up the vibe.

To learn about other types of algae in your aquarium, check out this article.

Why is Black Beard Algae Messing with Your Tank?

Before we go into what to do about it, we need to understand why this algae decided to make your tank its home. Usually, it is because something is out of balance. Let us break it down into a few culprits:

• Too much light: If your tank is getting hit with light for more than 8 hours a day, you are asking for trouble. Black Beard Algae loves that.
• Too many nutrients: We are talking about nitrates and phosphates. If you are overfeeding your shrimp or skipping those water changes, you are feeding the algae too.
• Poor water flow: When water is not moving well enough, nutrients get stuck in one spot, and Black Beard Algae sets up shop. You might see it hanging around dead spots where the flow is weak.

How to Kick Black Beard Algae Out of Your Tank

Now that we know what makes Black Beard Algae grow like weeds in your garden, let us talk about how to get rid of it. I will share a few methods that I have tried over the years. Some work fast, some take a bit of patience, but every one of these will help.

1. Give the Light a Break

Your tank might be getting too much light. Black Beard Algae will grow faster than you can say “Shrimp buffet” if your light is on too long. If you have your tank lights on for more than 8 hours a day, dial it back to 6-8 hours. Timers are a lifesaver here—no need to trust your memory. And hey, if your tank is catching sunlight from a window, either block that out or move the tank.

Why it helps: Algae needs light to grow, plain and simple. Less light, less algae. Shrimp and most plants will not mind the reduced lighting.

2. Stop Overfeeding Your Shrimp

We have all been there. You give your shrimp a little extra food because they are cute, right? But extra food means extra nutrients floating around, and that is a big invite for Black Beard Algae. What can you do? Cut back on the feeding. Stick to just enough food that your shrimp can finish in a couple of hours. Anything left sitting at the bottom just becomes a buffet for algae.

Why it helps: Less leftover food means fewer nutrients hanging around, starving the algae out.

3. Increase Water Flow

Water flow is key. Stagnant water in parts of your tank is like a welcome mat for algae. You want a gentle flow that reaches every corner. If your filter is clogged up, give that thing a good clean, too. A nice, clean filter keeps the water moving smoothly.

Why it helps: Good circulation keeps nutrients from gathering in one spot, giving the algae fewer chances to grow.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment

Now, if you are looking for something with a little more punch, there is always hydrogen peroxide. I know it sounds a bit extreme, but it works. Take some 3% hydrogen peroxide and use a syringe to target the algae directly. Turn off the filter so it does not spread too fast, and squirt that peroxide right onto the algae patches. After 10-15 minutes, turn the filter back on. You might have to do a few rounds of this, but it knocks out the algae pretty effectively.

Tank-wide Treatment: If it is a bigger problem, you can add 1-2 ml of hydrogen peroxide per gallon of tank water. Be careful with this approach. Shrimp are sensitive little guys, so keep an eye on them, and do not overdo it. Too much hydrogen peroxide can hurt them.

Why it helps: Hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen when it breaks down, and this oxidation wrecks the algae cells. It is kind of like throwing bleach on a weed, just a little safer for your shrimp tank (in small doses).

5. Liquid Carbon (Amanos Approve)

I have to admit, one of my favorite ways to deal with Black Beard Algae is with liquid carbon. It is pretty straightforward. You can grab a product like Seachem Flourish Excel and, similar to the hydrogen peroxide, apply it directly to the algae. Just be careful not to overdo it with the dosage, as shrimp can be a little sensitive to liquid carbon in higher concentrations.

Why it helps: It breaks down algae at the cellular level, and the best part? It leaves your plants and shrimp alone.

6. Get Yourself Some Algae-Eating Buddies

Shrimp like Amano shrimp are great at munching away at algae, but they will not do it all. If you have got some Nerite snails in your tank, they can help keep Black Beard Algae at bay, too. They will not clear out a full-blown infestation, but if you are doing the other steps I mentioned, these little critters will help out by nibbling at any bits that try to come back.

Why it helps: Nature taking care of nature. Your shrimp and snails can help you out as long as you give them a fighting chance by keeping the algae under control.

How to Keep the Algae from Coming Back

Now that you have done the hard work, how do you make sure Black Beard Algae does not rear its ugly head again? Follow these steps:

• Stick to a 6-8 hour light schedule and use a timer.
• Change 20-30% of the water every week.
• Clean your filter regularly, so water flows properly.
• Do not overfeed. Trust me, your shrimp will be fine on less than you think.

For more tips on how to keep your aquarium clean, check out this guide.

Conclusion: The Algae Battle

I get it. Seeing your tank overrun with Black Beard Algae is frustrating, especially when you love your shrimp as much as I do. But with a little patience and the right approach, you can get things back on track. You have got your methods—light control, nutrient management, water flow, treatments with hydrogen peroxide or liquid carbon, and some help from algae-eaters. You will be back to enjoying your shrimp tank in no time.

And hey, if you have got any other questions or tips, drop them in the comments! Let us all help each other out.

Now go on, and give those little critters the clean home they deserve!