Hairy algae!!!

[chemflex]

One of my tanks has got green hairy algae growing on the decorations. The tank his a Fluval 600 (approx 55L).

Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
pH - 7.0
Nitrate - 12.5mg/l-25mg/l

However the light is on timer to come on at 8am and go off at 9pm. The light is a Hagen Aquaglow light 15w.

The fish get fed at 8am and 7pm.

Is the light on too long? How long should it be on for? Are the feeding times ok?

 

[ostrow]

I'd reduce lighting chem. I had this problem. Got 2 Siamese Algae Eaters (make sure they are true Crosocheilus (sp?) Siamensis -- also called Siamese Flying Fox and sometimes Siamese Algae Eating Sharks). They eat it up, and do so in a matter of days if you get enough (I keep one per 15 gallons).

 

[wetwetwet]

Hi chemflex,

Plants need about 10-12 hours a day - more can lead to algae problems.

You could try splitting the lighting period. This way you can have the benifit of seeing them in the morning and also later at night This is what I do and its also supposed to help with algae (min 3 hr break in the middle)

 

[chemflex]

How long should the lights be on for in a non-planted aquarium?

 

[catman]

Best way to combat hairy algae that i have found is to have a minimum of 10hrs lighting, split with a 3 hr break. (Make sure the tank is out of direct sunlight)

Also, make sure ur ornaments are not in a direct water flow as a fast water flow seems to encourage algae.

Check for phosphates, as a high level can cause algae, and get some SAE's.

Check the following on how to identify them...

SAE's

You do not want the fying fox as these will not eat hair algae and can get quite vicious towards each other...