Algea Problem

[ArroWanaWhitey]

I added two 65 watt lights in my 55 gal... they've been on for a few hours and im already developing hair algae... and that black crap all over two leaves of my sword plant.. will plant safe algae killer work? or what should i do to get rid of it

 

[jlOisAhoTti]

Maybe you should lower the wattage, do you use incandescent light bulbs?

 

[wei0204]

Or may be add in more fast growing plants and add in some fauna who eat hair algae, like; amano shrimps, SAE, flying fox...

 

[Underwurlde]

Is that 55 US Gallons or 55 UK Gallons?

will plant safe algae killer work?

Who knows? Probably. But prevention is better than cure. Got to get to the root cause & prevent algae occuring in the first place.

How densely planted is your tank?
What kind of plants have you got in there?
What stocking of fish do you have?
Do you have carbon in your filter?
Do you regularly dose your tank with ferts? If so, what kind & how often?
What kind of lighting are you using? The spectrum of the bulbs is important.
Overfeeding your fish can also cause algae. Another clue is 'an imbalance in your tank' hence my questions....

Andy

 

[Themuleous]

Do you have CO2? You've got a lot of light over the tank.

SAm

 

[ArroWanaWhitey]

no CO2 deffuser... 55 us gal... 3 angels, 3 balas,...mostly just assorted sword plants... carbon is in filter

 

[Underwurlde]

OK, so you have 2.36 Watts per (US) Gallon. This I'd say is on the lower side for a planted tank. I've heard of tanks with over 4 to 5 Watts per Gallon with no algae problems.

If your tank is planted, I'd remove the carbon filter and only use it to remove meds if and when finished using them. The carbon will remove nitrates (I think) good for the fish, but the plants will do this anyway (so bad for the plants because they need them).

If you have no CO2 then this may go some way to explaining things. Add some or start dosing with SeaChem Flourish Excel.

How long are your lights on for each day? Aim for about a maximum of 8 hours / day. Say 4 hrs on, 2off, 4 on. The lighting siesta MAY have an effect on reducing algae levels but the jury is out on this one.

Andy

PS
have you seen this: http/www.barrreport.com/estimative-index...-test-kits.html

 

[Themuleous]

I wouldnt necessarily call 2.3WPG over a 55g tank lower light, with no CO2 you're asking for trouble.

Sam

 

[Underwurlde]

Ah, yes indeed. No CO2. Definately a problem...

And I quote "CO2 is one of those critical things for a planted tank that should be concentrated on. Poor CO2 reduces growth and is responsible for nearly 95% of all algae related issues."

Andy

 

[jimbooo]

you 100% need co2 with that amount of light. i have 2.5wpg and it's an instant algae farm when the bottle runs out!!

definatly remove the carbon. that removes trace elements (maybe nitrate as well, who knows?)

even adding a simple yeast based co2 kit will tide you over for now but you will really need a pressurised kit for that size of tank. especially if you are looking for a long term planted tank.