Algae Issue

[QueenBethers]

I am having an issue with controlling the algae in my tank. I only have six fish in there and no algae eaters. Seems like I am having to clean it more than normal. Anyways. I a friend suggested I get an uv light to 'fix' my algae problem. I am wondering if a uv light is practical or if it would even work. Anyone use on for algae? Are they cost effective. Is there a particular algae eater fish you'd suggest instead? Thanks for the input.

 

[Truck]

I am having an issue with controlling the algae in my tank. I only have six fish in there and no algae eaters. Seems like I am having to clean it more than normal. Anyways. I a friend suggested I get an uv light to 'fix' my algae problem. I am wondering if a uv light is practical or if it would even work. Anyone use on for algae? Are they cost effective. Is there a particular algae eater fish you'd suggest instead? Thanks for the input.

a UV sterilizer will kill all algae particles that are in water

 

[QueenBethers]

Would that be a bad thing, I mean are algae particles benificial in small amounts? Or would that be a good thing to completely eliminate all algae particles?

Also, would the uv light harm the fish. I am planning on getting other fish eventually, are there any fish that don't do well with uv lights? Thanks.

 

[Truck]

the algae your on about will be on glass and objects so a UVS would not cure your problem, whats your lighting over the tank? total watts? and are the tubes an inch in diameter or less?

and how big is it in USG

 

[QueenBethers]

I don't know the wattage. It's a 10gal tank. Just a basic set up I bought from WalMart. Algae is on everything glass, plants (fake), decor, rocks. I try to clean it but it's a futle effort. And extremely frustrating.

Do you think the uv light will help me control the algae?

 

[Truck]

I don't know the wattage. It's a 10gal tank. Just a basic set up I bought from WalMart. Algae is on everything glass, plants (fake), decor, rocks. I try to clean it but it's a futle effort. And extremely frustrating.

Do you think the uv light will help me control the algae?

no it wont if its on a surface. is it brown algae?

 

[QueenBethers]

It's a brownish-green algae.

 

[C4ARL]

The algae will thrive if there is a good light and there is a food to feed the algae
If you have high nitrates in your water this is a good food for algae
If you are over feeding the fish this intern will feed the algae so I find it best to find out why you have a large amount of algae hope this helps

 

[Truck]

The algae will thrive if there is a good light and there is a food to feed the algae
If you have high nitrates in your water this is a good food for algae
If you are over feeding the fish this intern will feed the algae so I find it best to find out why you have a large amount of algae hope this helps

brown algae is normal in a new tank its the silicone leaching ammonia and silicates into the water helping the algae thrive

 

[OldMan47]

A UV is a waste of money that could be spent on a bigger tank or other items. It will only work on algae that is floating around in the water because it is not located in the tank. A UV sterilizer is located somewhere outside the tank and you pump tank water through it. Algae is not a fish issue in any case, it is an aesthetics issue for you. If you don't mind the algae, it can be allowed to grow without harming the fish. An extreme algae problem can result in not having enough light get to your live plants and thus starving them of light. If you don't have live plants, try cutting the lighting down to have the lights only when you are in the room to enjoy the fish. Chances are that the algae will go away on its own if you do that.

 

[HCpetraitis]

They have meds that clear algae. They've got all kinds of cheesy names like "Algae-gone" and "No More Algae!" They don't harm the fish and I have used it and it works.

 

[Truck]

They have meds that clear algae. They've got all kinds of cheesy names like "Algae-gone" and "No More Algae!" They don't harm the fish and I have used it and it works.

if you over dose youll wipe your tank out

 

[OldMan47]

I must agree with Truck, the algaecides are dangerous to use because they threaten the fish if used in any excess at all.

 

[Faythee]

A Bristlenose Catfish (Pleco) will fix your problem.

 

[HCpetraitis]

Yea the pleco is better for the safety of your tank.