The tank is a 220ltr bow front that has been running for over 2 years now. It is partly planted with vallisneria and java fern but loads has recently been dug up! The lights are 2 x standard white lights with no extra reflector; running about 10 hours per day. There is an additional "Blue moon" type light which is on for appx 1 hour at either end of the day. There are 2 filters as follows. Eheim 2213 with ceramic media mainly and an Aquamanta 200 with all sponge media. The tank is probably generously stocked but I haven't had any issues until this recent disaster! I change about 25% H2O weekly and add Cycle and tap water conditioner as per the manufacturer's instructions. I have never tested PH or Hardness myself but have had it done at my LFS and they said it's about average???. I occasionally test Nitrite levels, usually without any issue, I'm presuming that's because of the regular water changes. I do have 2 large Plecs (appx10"), probably too large for a community tank now which are contributing to a lot of waste! I also have 2 large(6-8") silver sharks as well as my pretty tiddlers and other fish! The water temp is fairly constant at about 26c and the tank is not in direct sunlight. I have been advised to leave the lights of for a couple of days to see if that helps but I'm not sure whether it will affect an algae bloom in full flow!
Thanks in advance, all assistance gratefully received.
