Help Wwith Algae

[CrystalClear16]

I have a 125L aquarium (see my profile for stocking) and it is starting to get overrun with algae.

I have a layer of black brush algae all over my plants (plastic), slate, bogwood and plastic coconut cave. I also have hair algea covering the java moss attached to slate and bogwood (but it is more prominant on the slate). Spots of green algae will appear towards the end of the week when i am due a water change, but no more than is usual and it easily scrubs off.

The water itself is beautifully clear so I don't think the algae is doing any damage - it is just unsightly!

I have low lighting which is on for 8hrs on a weekday (longer at weekends). I know I don't overfeed as there is never any food left after a couple of mintues (or 10 minutes in the case of algae wafers).

The tank does not get any direct sunlight. I do a 30-40% water change each week (this is higher than necessary, but I need the extra time to get all the gunk off the sand!). I would eventually like to replace the plastic plants with real ones, but want to get the algae under control before addimg more.

So my questions are:
1) What is causing this and how can I prevent it?
2) Is it possible to get rid of the black brush algae that is already firmly attached to the decorations? I have scrubbed the slate and leaves of the plastic plants, but a black residue remains.

I would also be grateful of any tips on how to perk up my java moss. It is looking a little manky!

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[agusf]

my tank has similar problems. the advice i got was to blackout the tank for 2 days. havent done it yet but im planning to do it.
what is causing it? if you have a filter capacity which just barely meets the needs of your fish,
then it wont meet the needs of your algae infestation. to permanently remove algae problems, destock your tank
of some fish, or get a much better filter, or buy tons of plants which can outcompete the algae for resources.
Im heading towards buying tons of plants for my tank. your choice depends on your budget and effort.
and you shouldnt vary inbetween times when lights are on, even if its just weekends.
that hinders photosynthesis and helps algae

as for the black brush algae, i put my filter flow outlet directly on my plants with it, and it dissappeared after 1 week

i also bought a bn plec, he is doing a very good job on cleaning up, and hes still young,
cant wait to see how well he cleans up when hes or shes an adult.

the plecs dont seem to have an appetite for the hairy algae. that must be removed with scrubbing or a blackout.

and lastly, there is a very sturdy algae that grows on bogwood. it looks very green and is almost impossible to remove.

the only way possible is to put bogwood in separate hospital tank and heavily dose with algae killing chemical from lfs.

good luck

 

[CrystalClear16]

Hi, thanks for your input

I have a Fluval 205 external so my tank is over-filtered really. I may try the blackout idea though - the reason the light times are varied is of course because we are at home at the weekend and want to see the fish.

 

[Skittle]

Hi CrystalClear!

Sounds like everything is hunky dory other than the algae.
From what i've read up on, the black/brown algae can be caused by insufficient lighting, as the algae arent getting enough light to make the green pigment. (or words to this effect!) I also had the same problem a few months ago.
I'd recommend perhaps using a different bulb on the tank, perhaps one aimed at improving plant growth. I'd also put in a few fast growing plants, to 'eat' the phosphate the algae would normally feed on.
BNoses are great little clean up crew, as well as being really cute i'm sure he'll be munching his way through quite happily.

Hope this helps.

Skittles

 

[CrystalClear16]

Hmmm ok, I always thought algae was caused by too much lighting and/or over feeding? Should I leave my lights on longer? I currently have a normal bulb and a bulb that is meant to make the fish look better. I will try replacing the normal one with a plant one (what actually is the difference between the two?).

I also thought that adding more plants can worsen algae? If not I was considering a java fern to attach to other bits of bogwood - is this fast growing?

I am a little reluctant to add a fish purely to clean up algae - primarily because back in my 'the guy in the fish shop knows best' days I was persuaded to buy a common pleco to eat algae - I only had a 50L then! Obviously I trust your judgement more. How big to BNs grow? Would it get along with clown loaches? Can I buy just the one or do they need to be in groups?

I have tried explaining to the clowns that they are supposed to eat the algae, but they won't listen

Thanks - I really appreciate the help!

 

[karin]

Check out this link

http/www.theplantedtank.co.uk/algae.htm

Explains different algae, causes and ideas on how to irradicate it.