Surface Algae

[Kipper_Face]

I currently have a problem with surface algae, it forms a skin on the surface of the water. It covers all of the surface of the aquarium and bubbles form in it. No algae under the surface just this slick. Tank is EI fertilised and has co2. Stats seem fine and i had no problems upto about 2 weeks ago. Plant growth is very good and not reduced due to this.

I have let the plants grow out more than usual and they now cover the whole surface of tank and 2 thirds of the tank in the hope of ridding me of this algae problem. this has not made any noticeable difference. The only time its clear is when i do my weekly water change during which i scoop it out with a jug.

Anyone know whats causing it and how to get rid?

TIA

 

[DarkSeraph]

I believe I have the same problem. My tank has been up for a week now. I too have scooped it out, and it leaves the container greasy feeling.

Very interested if anyone know what the problem is and how to fix it. For now I've tried to keep surface agitation up in hopes to minimize the problem

 

[Themuleous]

If you're talking about the white film that develops, its more often than not due to the reduction in surface agitation that you need when you add CO2. There isn't much you can do about it other than increasing surface agitation, which of course you cant! I just use a paper towel to soak it up each week. Get it on all three of my tanks

As far as I know its not harmful and shoudn't affect the tank (although I might reduce O2 diffusion into the tank, but I'm not 100% sure and Ive not noticed any difference with it being there) its just one of those things.

Sam

 

[Kipper_Face]

If you're talking about the white film that develops, its more often than not due to the reduction in surface agitation that you need when you add CO2. There isn't much you can do about it other than increasing surface agitation, which of course you cant! I just use a paper towel to soak it up each week. Get it on all three of my tanks

As far as I know its not harmful and shoudn't affect the tank (although I might reduce O2 diffusion into the tank, but I'm not 100% sure and Ive not noticed any difference with it being there) its just one of those things.

Sam

No, its algae. Green slimey with bubbles

 

[Themuleous]

Sounds odd, it is also in the rest of the tank, or just at the surface? Can you not hoover it up with the pipe when you do water changes?

Cant really suggest anything else, but I'm sure a pic would help if you can, its always easier to diagnose if you can see it.

Sam

 

[Kipper_Face]

Just on the surface. No pics as removed when doing water change yesterday. will be back soon though...

 

[Kipper_Face]

Here is a photo of the nasty stuff....

 

[ChrisP]

You have just included the thumbnail.

Looks like it may be BlueGreenAlgae though? Cant really tell from that pic to be honest.

 

[Kipper_Face]

No its not bga, thank god!

Its an algae that is restricted to the surface only so does not effect plants at moment. however when it covers the full surface the full light strength to plants is greatly reduced. Also a pain to feed fish as you need to make a hole before feeding with flake....

 

[ChrisP]

Its hard to tell you what it is without a good pic, if you get one up I'm sure we can help you out.

 

[Kipper_Face]

Hope these are better....click to make them bigger of course

 

[Themuleous]

Oh Im totally stumped here mate

 

[Kipper_Face]

Perhaps angle your filter outflow (if you can) to get better agitation, but not too much that you'll lose co2.

Not exactly sure if this will work, but there's nothing to lose if you try!

Thanks for the reply fishkiller_nomore, have angled pump outlet on Juwel filter upwards at about 45 degree angle to the vertical in hope that if may stop more growth on suggestion earlier in thread by Themuleous. Third day of this extra agitation but the algae still keeps growing.....

I am wondering if a low phosphate level could be to blame, never had problems before but it is on the low side at moment. Will raise it one ppm and see what happens.....