Lighting For Algae

[Orodreth]

Hello all,

In my Betta tank I have a rather big algae problem and I have tried various ideas with no results. I clean it off and it comes right back, all over the glass, heater, filter and the plants.

Over the weekend I am going to scrub (I don't mean using anything bad - just elbow grease) everything that is removable to get the latest batch off.

Anyway, my question is actually about the lighting in the tank and how long I should have it on for. I have been reading and it seems that six hours might be a good length although this seemed quite short to me? I do have live plants (nothing very demanding). How long do you recommend and do you think reducing it will help my problems?

 

[ox5477]

Is your tank in the direct sun at anytime during the day? Direct sunlight will supercharge algae growth. Also, maybe one or two live plants will help as the plants will use the minerals and nutrients before the algae can.

Ox

 

[Orodreth]

Hey, thanks for your reply. The tank gets absolutely no direct sunlight, in fact its in quite the opposite - a rather dark, gloomy area. I do have some live plants but I could always get some more, quite a few more actually...hmm interesting - ooh a new project!

 

[ox5477]

o I'm sorry, I thought when I read your OP that you said you don't have real plants... on furthur review, I can't read....

Another thing to try to stem the growth of the algae is put a "hiccup" in your lighting cycle. ie... put about an hours time when the light is off in the middle of the day. This won't hurt your plants or fish, but this can retard the full growth of the algae.

Ox