Advise About Algae

[fishGreco]

Hi

First post

Anyway. I have a new tank with three "Blood parrot cichlid" fish in it.
I did what the guy in the shop said, about tap water and clearing agent, and everything was brand new.
However, after 2 weeks there is green algae growing on the front and back face.
The tank isn't in the sun, but I have left the light on all day.
I read it shouldn't be on for more than 8 hours.

Anyway, the question is this.
Is there a smaller cleaner fish that can survive with "Blood parrot cichlid", as I have been told they are carnivores?
If not, what can I do to reduce the algae in the tank?

Thanks in advance

 

[Craig89]

Have you only had the tank running two week ?

 

[lilfishie]

i take it this tank hasn't been properly cycled, again bad advice from the store, your not the 1st and certianly won't be the last but your in the right place now

hope you've got your reading head on, take a look through the topics HERE

What size is the tank?

 

[Mowbz]

The algae is most likely forming becuase you have had your tank lights on all day, and as above, if the tank isnt cycled, the ammonia and nitrites in the water will be acting as a fertiliser for it to grow.

If the tank has only been set up for two weeks and you now have three lovely cichlids in there, a bit of algae is going to be the least of your worries. Have you tested the water at all?

And by nature, NOTHING eats purely algae, and most will normally only do so in the absence of a proper diet.

and

 

[fishGreco]

Have you only had the tank running two week ?

Yeap!

The algae is most likely forming becuase you have had your tank lights on all day, and as above, if the tank isnt cycled, the ammonia and nitrites in the water will be acting as a fertiliser for it to grow.

If the tank has only been set up for two weeks and you now have three lovely cichlids in there, a bit of algae is going to be the least of your worries. Have you tested the water at all?

And by nature, NOTHING eats purely algae, and most will normally only do so in the absence of a proper diet.

and

I must point out that I live in Greece, and isn't like America or UK.
Stores have little in the way of good products or advise.

I will look next time I am in the store.
For now, I have added a timer switch to make the lights only stay on for 8 hours maximum.

Thanks for the advise so far.

 

[chickennuggets123]

Algae scraper!

 

[Overload]

What are the water reading on your tank? (if you dont have a test kit that does ph, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate get one, most folks round here use the API Master)

As has been mentioned your tank is not cycled yet, which as well as endangering your fish will also cause more algae growth have a look at the Fish-in Cycling thread

 

[fishGreco]

The fish lived in another tank before this one and I simply transferred.
I don't know what is available at the pet store in the way of tests, etc.
As I say, this is Greece and close to the third world in many respects.

I will pop to the store and see what I can do.

I will read up about cycling.

Thanks so far

i take it this tank hasn't been properly cycled, again bad advice from the store, your not the 1st and certianly won't be the last but your in the right place now

hope you've got your reading head on, take a look through the topics HERE

What size is the tank?

The tank is 80cm x 35cm and is 110litres

 

[HayzH]

you can buy ANYTHING on the internet these days....just by using your search engine..get reading...and you are in for the long haul i'm afraid xxx