Algae

[Peculiar Clown]

I have a small (3 gallon) tank with a few Glowlight Tetras and Minnows, and recently the 2 plants I have in there have been plagued with algae. What is the best method of getting rif of it ? The tank is out of direct sunlight and water quality is good (I do 30% weekly water change). I have hads the set up for about 6 months and this is a recent problem.

Are there are any fish/other creatures that would help clear it up, I would prefer not to introduce more chemicals to the water if I can help it. Thanks guys.

 

[Thomas A. Anderson]

You are a bit limited due to the small tank, but you could probably get some algae eating shrimps or amano shrimps. They won't clear it, but will reduce it.

 

[Peculiar Clown]

Thanks, I've just done some reading about them on-line and they sound ideal. Any ideas where I can get some, possible on line ?

 

[EddieW]

Tri-Mar usually have them in stock.

Their web site is here - you could even have a drive down if you want a day out as they are in Cornwall.

HTH, Eddie

 

[wetwetwet]

Hi and welcome PC

too much light can also lead to algae probs - how long do you keep them on for?

 

[Peculiar Clown]

Usually about 10 =12 hours, not sure if this it too long or not.

 

[wetwetwet]

10 hrs is fine,

you could try splitting the photo period in the middle (this is what I do) with at least a 4hr gap. I have mine on timers which keeps things much simpler


hth

 

[Peculiar Clown]

I thought about getting a timer but I haven't got around to it yet. I will get one tomorrow. Thanks for the advice.

 

[carey]

Now that there is alage in your tank, you might want to boil every ornament gravel and plant (fake ones only) for about 5 minutes to kill the algae compleatly or else it will just keep comming back * I suggest that you do this before you get the shrimps then they will stay on top of things.