Green Dot Algae

[Luzi]

My tank has recently started growing green spot algae, the one that is a nightmare to remove. My loaches eat all of the other types of algae so the dot algae has no competition, and i have no live plants. i'll scrape the ornaments to get rid of it, but what can i do to stop it coming back, and what causes it to grow (chemicals, water stats ect.)?

 

[spectrum]

Lots of nutrients, nitrates, fish waste etc cause algae to thrive. Making sure you're not over feeding you fish and regular water changes will help keep it under control, also I had a problem with algae and surface agitation and DIY CO2 seemed to help clear it. Its actually beneficial to the tank anyway as it does in essence the same job as plants. Do you have live plants? Fast growing live plants such as Hygrophilia Difformis (Water Wisteria), Limnophila sessiliflora (A hardier alternative to Cabomba) and Bacopa Monnieri among many others will help to starve the algae of nutrients and stop it from returning. I just suggested those particular three because the are quite commonly available and very undemanding in terms of light and whatnot.
Hope this helps

 

[frothhelmet]

If your water quality is good get 1 nerite per 10 gallons = algae on hard surfaces GONE!

 

[RadaR]

Green spot algae is related to a lack of phosphates and/or CO2.