What kind of algae is this?

[aquarius]

About a week ago, I noticed this green algae covering my plants and gravel. Since then I cleaned it off but it keeps growing back. It's too bad I can't post a picture but this algae looks like tiny little green hairs almost like fur covering mostly the plants. Anyone have an idea of what it can be and how I can get rid of it? Thanks

 

[GraemeK]

your lighting and phosphate levels are probably too high.

how many hours are the lights on for? where is the tank positioned?

G

 

[aquarius]

The light is usually on for 12 hours, although sometimes more and the tank is not near a window so it doesn't get hit with direct sunlight

 

[GraemeK]

try cutting the lights back to say 10 hours and use a phosphate remover.

 

[Lateral Line]

Phophates are common ingredients in pH modifying compounds, are you using such a thing?

 

[Fly258]

You could post a pic on "Members Aquarium Pictures"
Jim

 

[aquarius]

thanks, i'll try cutting the light back but i'm not sure about the phosphate remover. is is gonna hurt the fish? and i'm not using any pH modifying compounds. i'm just adding fertilizer for the plants. can it make the algae worse?

 

[GraemeK]

if the nutrient levels are too high, yes alage will grow!

and no a phosphate remover will not harm your fish!

 

[Lateral Line]

>>> can it make the algae worse?

Absolutely. You need to get things under control before you start adding fertilizers, (which are rarely necessary). After light, the next most important item is CO2, micronutrients and the like are generally abundant in a stocked tank.

I'd certainly stop adding the fetilizer.

 

[Sea_Monster87]

Whatever you do DON'T use algae killer, It will kill the algae, and your fish.