jg233

Ok, so here is my Betta tank. It has one Betta in it and I clean (by clean I mean remove 30-50% of the water, vacuum, and scrub the sides) it every 1-2 weeks or so. There seems to be algea growing on the sides of the tank and on the filter and it comes back extremely fast and aggresively when I scrub the side of the tank. As you can see, I generally keep my room pretty dark and there isn't any drect sunlight shing on the tank. In the winter a small strip of sunlight hits it for about an hour (stupid blinds) but it shouldn't be enough to cause this much algea should it?


My tank

Long strands of green algea

Filter


What is the best method of remmoving the algea and/or getting rid of it for good? I know that isn't the best filter in the world either but it is all I can find for a 2.5 gallon aquarium. I also have a few tiny bubbles branched to this tank using my pump from my other 6 gallon aquarium, hoping that it will allow more water circulation.

Another thing, I want to find a better tank for my betta, and maybe get another one. What kind of tank would be good for this. I have limited room (22 in. long and 9 in. wide) on top of a bookshelf where this one is. My parents don't like it there because they don't think it is strong enough but I think it would hold a 2.5-5 gallon aquarium.

Jay

Hey jg233...Welcome to our forums

There is no way any aquarium will be without algae . The trick is understanding what you are dealing with, and doing everything possible to give it limited opportunity to be annoying.

I can see a number or green nuisance algae in your pictures, they are easy to deal with .

Here is the program I would suggest to reset your tank. It requires some WORK.

Scrub down the glass and disinfect your decorations and filter parts in a solution of 1 part bleach to 19 parts water.

Be sure to thoroughly rinse all before putting them back in the tank.

Do a 50% water change.

Cover the tank with opaque black trash bags and let the tank sit for 72 hours...NO LIGHT. Leave the filter running.

Unwrap the tank and do a 50% water change.

You will now be green algae free.

To stay that way you need to watch out for over feeding...

Cut your light to 6 hours a day or only when you want to observe the fish.

The ambient light in the room should not be an issue, although you may need to wipe off diatoms and some bio film once a week or so.

Hope that helps

Regards,
Jay

jg233

Thank you so much. I will follow that exactly and post the results!

jg233

How long do I keep the stuff soaking in the bleach solution?

Jay

The solution will kill that algae in a few seconds.

Then rinse really well.

Jay