New Algea Growth

[kkirrane]

I recently did a 10 gallon water change in a 55 gallon tank. I also took out all decorations and cleaned them under hot water. While my water has been tested by my LFS and myself constantly and found to be at normal levels, I have noticed an increasedreflourishing of algea.

The only new introductions to the tank have be algea wafers for the 2 small plecos I bought and the introduction of feeding live worms to the community fish tank. I never had an algea problem in the first 3 months of its existence but now noticed it 5 days after a water change and cleaning the decorations.

It was first noticed on the top tips of and plastic plant that is on the right side of the tank which gets the brunt of the return from the Amiracle Wet/Dry filter in use. All pads and foam were also rotated during the water change.

It is only an emergency as I am going on vacation for a week strating tomorrow and am worried I will reurn to bad scene. I am not worried about a major cleaning when I return, just the loss of a bunch of very fun, exciting platys, cherry barbs, black widow tetras and some white cloud minnows. Please respond ASAP!

 

[kkirrane]

The plecos were added 3 weeks ago and the worms are only fed once a week for the next 3 days when the new stock reaches the LFS. I am particular about the maintenance as my investment in it is substantial and continuous.

Again I wish to express my concern for the fish and their welfare and not the state of the tank when I return. Am I bing too concerned? Will the tank survive a week with the new algea growth not becoming a major concern, I have also started a 10 gallon tank that will cycle while I am away. Should the fish be transferred there when I return as a precaution? Or just do another major water change and cleaning. Oh, by the way, when I say water change it is thru gravel syphoning that it is extracted.

Any help would be appreciated......

Thanks again,

Kevin

 

[CFC]

Although unsightly algea will not harm your fish(at least i've never come across any that does).To get rid of it the best solution would be to add some algea eating fish (the siamese flying fox is reputed as being the best in the hobby)and cut down the lentgh of time your lights are on,an unplanted tankonly needs its lights on when you are watching the fish.

 

[semper fi]

what kind of algae is it? green or brown? green is good and brown is a problem. like cfc said cut down on the amount of light to the tank.

maggie