I,too, have algae

oogpister · 10-17-2008, 08:00 PM

I have been diligently reading previous posts on algae growth. This is what I have dicserned: Algae happens. If you clean it , it comes back. My tank, which has been fully cycled, however, is still new (under a year) has started to grow. It starts out brown, but I noticed some green growth on the decorative rock... I do not have an algae eater per se, but I do have 2 American Flag Fish (LPS said they eat algae very well). So, I guess I'm supposed to cut down on my feeding

and cut the lighting back for awhile ( I would like more direction on that) and the algae will run its course and go mostly away? I do an approx. 40% water change usually once a week. My water parameters usually always run Am=0, NI= 0, NA = 0-5. Please, someone set me on the right path! thanks in advance!

fan4fish · 10-17-2008, 11:10 PM

How big is your tank? Make sure there is no sunlight shining on you tank this can spread to your whole tank even if it is just a little corner. If you have a larger fish tank ( I am thinking around 30 gallons) you shouldn't have to do such a big water chang each week. On my 29 gallon freshwater I do 5-7% each week and 10% on my saltwater each week. I have been changing my saltwater about 10% everyother day because I had to send in my canister filter back to the company and hoping they will set me up with a sump. I know with my algae breakout I did make small water changes more frequent in a week and it slows it down. Assuming this is a freshater tank I like to think having a balance of fish in your tank helps too. What I mean by that is bottom feeders, midater and topwater fish. I have a sucker loach in my freswater and he does an awsome job cleaning off a variety of items he even sucks on my gravel pebbles. Sorry if your tank is saltwater not sure where the american fish reside. Hope this can be some help.

oogpister · 10-18-2008, 07:38 AM

I have one dojo loach, 2 upside down catfish, several assorted tetras, 2 danios and a chiclid. 55 gal freshwater, the window is all the way across the room. Does it hurt to change alot of water? I know I never get all the gravel "clean".

Jay · 10-18-2008, 09:38 AM

Hey oogpister

I guess the best thing I can do is try to promote some understanding of algae <- thats plural, in freshwater tanks.

Secondy to remind folks that algae is ubiquitios and there is no such thing as a fw tank without algae of some kind.

The trick is to what extent do we allow it to become a dominate issue rather than an insignifficant part of our aquarium eco system.

AND WOW there is an abundance of misinformation out there, not to mention the poliferation of NUKEs used to eradicate algae.

The two issues you describe are brown and green. The brown is most likely not algae at all but rather diatoms. They are very common in new tanks, forming their hard little shells from sylicates in the water. It is suspected that new aquarium glass can leach sylicates into the water colum as well as sand and some gravel.

Diatoms will eventually go away on their own as the sylicates dimisish and will be replaced by green algae <- plural. There are numerious varieties of green algae, and many different triggers (combinations of factors that promote rapid growth).

I cannot possibly cover this subject in one post.

It sounds like the brown diatoms are starting to decline in your tank. The green algae growing on your gravel and decorations is a natural and common development.

Here are a few things you can do for the green algae growing on your gravel and decorations.

Since green algae is phototropic (photosynthesis) limiting the amount of time your lights are on will slow it down some.

Green algae eating critters; Ottos, shrimp, nerite snails, etc. will slow it down.

A decoration and filter sterilization day. Dip everything in a 19 water to 1 part household bleach bath.

Roll your gravel over - no light no green algae.

Large water changes and gravel cleaning, like you are doing, are fine. You are reducing the dissolved organic compounds in your water colum. Keep in mind though that algae can exist on a nutrient level lower than you can measure on a hobby test kit.

What I am pointing out here is a multi front program of tank management including the common sense requirements of not over feeding and adequate filtration.

If green algae is really out of control, you can always fall back on a 72 hour complete blackout of the tank. The opaque black plastic trash bag wrap. This will wipe it out.

To the advice "move the tank away from a window"...

Here is one of my tanks, planted I grant you, that takes direct sunlight and sits in the middle of a room with windows on three sides and yet has no green algae problems. Actually no algae problems at all.

Jay

oogpister · 10-18-2008, 07:04 PM

AHH, what a beautiful tank you have there! Ok, thanks so much for clearing that up. I shall clean the "Plants" and the filter. I suspect my issue comes from overfeeding. I guess thats why they make those automatic feeders.... that way anyone that walks by ....ooh, I wonder if anyone fed the fish...is not a factor. I'll try to cut back.

spencypoo1 · 01-12-2009, 01:06 PM

Hello, my name is Spencer, and I have Algae. <<Hiiii Speeeencer>>
After reading these posts, I couldn't help but respond to the ever pressing algae problem. I have recently posted about my situation (see "Here's a Newbie!" and "Hello Folks!") and have tightened up on my water changing schedule. Also I have blocked most of the unwanted sunlight and started including doses of Prime Conditioner to new water. My 18 gallon has just bloomed a little more algae than I would like to see. So hopefully in a matter of time I will see some rewarding results. Wish me luck!
What was my original point... oh yes. The automatic feeder sounds like a much needed addition considering my feedings seem to vary depending on my work schedule and what-not... and was just going to say that I second the Auto Feed idea. A consistent feeding can work wonders!
Thanks!

Jay · 01-13-2009, 07:08 AM

The downside of auto feeders is...I cannot rotate thru a variety of foods which includes frozen, and refrigerated. They are handy for vacations or extended periods away from the tank.

I guess the other FYI is fish DO NOT need to be fed every day

Jay

spencypoo1 · 01-13-2009, 10:48 AM

I have to agree... i have found this auto feeder to be very limiting with options. and with different kinds of food to serve, even more limiting.

I find that many experiments have taught me valuable lessons.

FlucKe3 · 01-23-2009, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay

Roll your gravel over - no light no green algae.

(I have the same problem, I've leave the light on for too long that is why) So basically if the algae don't have light, it will go away?
How long does the light have to be off for?

I also have some algae eaters. Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advanced

~FlucKi.

muffineatsfish · 01-23-2009, 09:35 PM

i havea question your suppose to keeps these balances so perfect, amonnia 0 nitrite 0 nitrate around 0 or .5 but when you change 40 percent of the water every week how to you keep the water from become hard or from everything going crazy?>basically how to u keep the levels normal.