Algae???

[Rachel.K]

Hi

I was just wondering what is algae, how does it get into my tank and what I can do to get rid of it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[blue_ram]

It's a primitive plant. Algae spores are everywhere. You really can't get rid of it. You could, however reduce it significantly by:

1) using UV sterilizer
2) adding algae eating fish (not always effective)
3) doing frequent water change
4) adding plants (has its own problems)
5) adding carbon in the filter (too expensive)
6) turn on the light only few hours a day

You can do all of the above (except adding plants) as well.

 

[BobK]

And keeping the tank out of direct sunlight.

 

[Dubby]

Algae growth is promoted by excesses of :

- nitrates
- phosphates
- light

So if you can control these, you should be alright.

As already mentioned by others you can use a combination of plants, algae eating fish (eg. SAE, shrimp, mollys, barbs) and change water regularly and avoid over feeding to maintain these in balance.

Set the lights on a timer and get them to switch off for short (say 15-20min) intervals a couple of times in the day. This upsets the photosynthesis process of the algae, while plants can manage.

Hope this helps.