Stupid algae problems...

[TorPeteO]

Hey TFFites,

I've got a problem in my 5 gallon tank...it's got to do with algae, and lots of it. It's taking over my tank, and I think if it goes much further it could begin to suffocate the live plants I've got in there.

I've got 6 live plants in a 5 gallon tank, which I thought was a good amount (not a lot, but still enough to control nitrates and phosphates). Apparently it wasn't enough to control the algae. I've also got 2 otos in there, which haven't really done much to control the spreading.

I don't think I can get any more fish, because that would overstock the tank. Snails don't last long because my puffers love eating them, usually within minutes of the snails' being placed in the tank. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a natural way of controlling it (no chemicals, I'd rather have algae than chemicals), including more plants if necessary? My website has a picture of how my tank is currently laid out, if that will help you help me.

Thanks in advance for any helpful info. I haven't got a phosphates test yet (I do have plans on getting one, though), but my nitrates are always below 30, and usually below 20.

Cheers,
Peter

 

[Nisha]

I think you have too much light in your tank if you have both your lights on. 50 Watts gives about 10 watts per gallon which is too much. The algae is probably thriving because of this amount of light. You need to go down to one 25 Watt and that should be more than enough.

Another option is to cut down the time you have your lights on. A max of 8-10 hours is usually enough for the plants and the algae should taper off.
Otos don't generally eat hair algae so they won't help much.

Hope this helps.

 

[a1wonder]

What about trying a couple of larger snails my DP usually takes a while to get after them and if you add them after the lights go out for the even they may stand a chance of removing the algae

 

[Nidge]

What colour is the algae?

 

[eSUng15]

green or brownish

 

[TorPeteO]

I'd say it's pretty brownish. I've unscrewed one of the lightbulbs, so light's only shining on one side of the tank now. That will also cut down on the overheating problems I've been experiencing. I'm probably going to alternate which light I've got on so that plants on either side get enough light to sustain themselves.