Algae Algae Algae

[nikkifro8994]

My 5 gallon betta tank has a ton of algae. It's by a window so the plants can get light. But now there is algae on the wall and on the cave. The back of the filter has algae too. I've been using API algae fix for 2 weeks but it hasn't been working. I have an oto in another tank to eat the algae. He does a very good job. Can I put him in the 5 gallon with my male betta? Or would my betta attack him? I tried to put a few endlers in with him but he was attacking the bag when I was acclimating them. I have another 5 gallon with an ADF. I could switch the betta and the ADF and then add the oto. Would this work? I tried a snail but my betta killed it. He's very mean and territorial. He's been by himself for almost a year.

It's a 5 gallon tank bit there's only about 4 gallons of water

 

[nikkifro8994]

I also have an empty 1.5 gallon that either the betta or frog could go in

 

[OldMan47]

Sorry nikki but control of algae is by reducing light, not using chemicals.

I have no idea why you have a problem with endlers and a betta. I keep this guy

in this tank

and everyone ignores each other. It has been that way for 2 years now.

It is likely that your solitary betta will welcome the company, such as it is, with an oto. Most otos do not make very active company.

In my experience Betta splendens really appreciates company except that of his own species.

 

[pablothebetta]

I would also try to reduce the light. Is there anywhere else you could move the tank out of direct light and then get a light for the tank? Lighting periods don't really need to be any longer than 8 hours or so.

 

[RossC]

Yer its the direct sunlight thats doing it, unless you move it your going to end up with more algae than water. Thats the beauty of a 5 gal, it will fit almost anywhere and a small desk lamp is a good enough source of light for it, thats what I use on my 3 gal.

 

[nikkifro8994]

My issue is with the Amazon swords. I've tried every kind of bulb they make but the swords only do well with sunlight. I can't find any type of artificial light that will work with the swords. They start to wither after a month without sun. Any ideas on what type of light to use?

 

[wirralbull]

A standard cfl is a cheap option.

 

[nikkifro8994]

What's a cfl?