How do you do it?

[freshy]

Hi,
I've had my tank up and running for almost 2 weeks after cycling. So far I've put 1 guppy and 3 white skirt tetras in it. I have 4 small plants (sorry, I have no idea what these plants are called) which, according to the lady at LFS are relativley low maintenance plants. A couple of days ago I noticed this stuff growing on the glass, the heater, the powerhead and the plants have this brownish stuff in the leaves. I assume it's brown algae, but I'm not sure. It looks a little like velvet, a little like slime. I leave the light on for 12+ hrs a day. (is that too much? ) ).

On Saturday I'm doing my weekly water change and I was wondering how can I get rid of this stuff in a safe manner. I don't want to kill bacteria or stress the fish too much.

This may seem a ver basic question, but bare with me please: should I scrub this thing off the heater and powerhead INSIDE THE TANKand then syphon the "dirty" water out, or do I syphon first and scrub the accesories INSIDE THE BUCKET with the old water?

Thanks for any help!

 

[White Whale]

Two otos do my cleaning for me.

 

[enchanted]

What size tank? I would recommend some Ottos and/or maybe a pleco.

 

[freshy]

Oh yes! I forgot! My tank is rather small. 10gall (40 lt). Would a small catfish do?

 

[enchanted]

I would recommend adding say 2 ottos. They would definitely clear up the Algae for you.

 

[Da_Oz]

You can clean the glass and power heads but not the heater. A razor blade will take it right off the glass. And 10 hours of light is enought.

 

[swampcat]

I also use razor blade BUT STAY AWAY FROM CORNERS AND BOTTOM JOINTS DON'T SCRAPE OFF THE SILICON SEALENT.

 

[sunflower]

I have algae eating shrimp!

 

[_]im]

are otto's relatively hardy fish?