Help appreciated from anyone, i got algea!

[mbuxx]

Hi im super noob with fishtanks, dont know much at all, but learning. I was just wondering why i keep getting algea in my tank. I may be overfeeding but would that cause algea on the walls and stuff? My tank set up is a 25 gallon, with a 55 gallon filter, a heater, air pump, no live plants tho.
fish:
2 angel fish
about 5 tetras
2 small pink fish
1 orange fish
1 6" pleco that doesnt do **** just sits ont he bottom of this rock all day ( does that matter? )

I completley bleach everything and then about a month later the algea is back? Anyone got any helpfull tips. Also... it seems my fish slowley die? i know im in a big mess haha.

Thanks.

[RJRofFL]

Hello mbuxx and welcome to FTF.

Sounds as if you have a few problems here, and you can be sure that we will help you with them.

Algae growth is almost a fact of life with aquariums, however too much can be dangerous. The most common causes of excess algae are sunlight, over feeding and water and nutrients.

One of the most important factors in maintaining a successful aquarium is of course water quality. If you do not have one, I would strongly advise you to purchase a testing kit (preferably a liquid one) which tests for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. You should be testing your water regularly. This testing will also determine how much and how often you should be making water changes. All of this is for the benefit of the fish's health.

IMO, your tank is overstocked and the type of fish you now have might create agression problems in the future. This is a decision you might have to consider, however, I feel the water quality at this point should be your major concern.

If you can get that test kit and advise us of the readings you get, we can definiterly advise you of a correct path to take.

In the meantime, a substantial water change cannot hurt.

Keep in touch and we're with you all the way.

Bob

[gregpape23]

If your tank is near a window that could be a problem, any direct sunlight will almost always cause much more algae growth. Try looking at the pleco at night, most plecos are nocturnal, therefore, they probably aren't doing too much during the day. Like RJR said, a liquid test kit is very important. This will determine if your tank is cycled or not. To learn more about what cycling is you can look in the "articles" section (located under the FTF logo. top left onscreen) or you can watch some of our new video tutorials, (click on the link in RJR's signature) Once we know your water parameters we can futher assess the situation. Hope this helps!

[Jay]

IMHO the place to start is to identify the algae. Once we do that we will be able to tell what the "trigger" factors are for that particular algae, and counsel on a strategy to deal with it.

A picture would help, or a really good description. Some algae will grow in the dark, some without high nutrient levels, some stuff is not algae at all. Let's identify what we are dealing with.

Getting your water parameters noted is going to help down the road.

Jay

[cichlidgirl]

How long have you had the tank setup and how long before you added in the fish ? Sounds like your tank is not finished cycling (you can read up on nitrogen cycle in the article section) and that can produce algea blooms and slowly kill off your fish for no apparant reason. Having your tank near a window with afternoon sun will also make it prone to algea. Get back to us with those water parems and or info. If your tank is new and you dont have a established tank to put the fish in for now you can help the fish by doing daily waterchanges (10-20 percent) daily .

[Jamie6194]

There is some great advice to follow from all the posters to your question.
I hate algae. Period. (lol) Thank goodness I finally got my algae overgrowth problem under control. Now that there is no longer an algae issue for me, I wanted to share the ways to get rid of the nasty, slimey stuff.

My Step-By-Step article will guide anyone (even the beginner) through how to eradicate this unsightly, terrible problem.


Best wishes! Follow the steps/advice and you will be on your way to a clean and clear tank!

[Judge]

Hi Jamie, two things I should point out. First, I could not get your link to work, so I cannot be certain what it is and determine appropriateness for this site. Lastly, the post that you have responded to is very old. I would think by now the issue has probably been resolved. We like your input and we hope you will respond to some newer posts for those needing help.

[Jay]

Hey Jamie...

The link worked for me...a site dedicated to advertising.

The information given I found inaccurate, misleading, and focused on getting our members to buy product they do not need to deal with algae problems. Plus trying to sell them algaecides...get outta here!

I would like you to respond...before I delete your link, but it is just the usual spam jibber jabber, hey kid I have this magic formula to cure algae and it only costs $50 an ounce, mixed in with some common sense generalities to make the whole thing seem credible.

Jay