What Type Of Algae Is This Please

[fry_lover]

I quite like the effect, but should i be concerned and take some action on my lighting or nutrient level? Does it indicate something about the water quality?

I say i quite like it, as it's not like the tank is over-run with it, and it creates quite a "natural" effect in my eyes.

I've tried Google, but can't seem to get anything for certain on there.

Some quick stats

- heavy fish stock
- dose with Seachem Flourish once per week
- quite good plant growth many, many "simple" plants, Onion Plants, Dwarf Anubia, Vallis, Moss Balls, Java Fern
- no added co2
- sand substrate
- lights are x2 Aqua Glo and x1 Power Glo with reflectors and works out at about 1.5 WPG (US Gallon)
- Lights on for 14 hrs a day
- Nitrate does hover around the 50-60 mg/l region, get 20-25 mg/l from the tap
- Water changes are usually 30-40% every week

I know the lights are on quite long, always been that way, thats the routine and my plant growth has been good, so i have left it like that. Pics are from my main tank and also my live-bearer fry growing tank, i transfered some of the plants and algae from main tank

 

[Da_One]

looks like hair algae to me, then again I am noob lol

 

[Themuleous]

Check out www.theplantedtank.co.uk for an excellent algae guide.

Sam

 

[fry_lover]

cheers, looks like good old fashioned hair algae from having the lights on for too long

 

[Themuleous]

14 hours is a very long time, I would suggest 12 hours is the maximum. 8 to 10 is the norm. I suggest you reduce to 8 and see how it goes. If the algae dies back, increase it by half an hour and watch for another week or so. Then increase it again. If you see algae at any point reduce it back half an hour

Sam

 

[rmanpf]

14 hours is a very long time, I would suggest 12 hours is the maximum. 8 to 10 is the norm. I suggest you reduce to 8 and see how it goes. If the algae dies back, increase it by half an hour and watch for another week or so. Then increase it again. If you see algae at any point reduce it back half an hour

Sam

excelent advise!

 

[Themuleous]

Thanks! I do try!