Algae Build-up

[SprinklerBandit]

In my 3 gallon tank (with an eclipse "bio-wheel" filter), I'm having trouble with an algae buildup. I think it started because I had a betta fish and and algae eater in there, which was too many fish for the filter. I've since removed the algae eater and have just the betta left in there.

I scrubbed off the plants and ornamentation of the tank, did a 75% water change, and cleaned the walls of the tank a couple days ago, but the algae is back. Should I change the filter pad? I'd heard not to do that because it throws off the cycling. The only other route I can see is to pull the betta out, completely clean and dry everything for a few days and then reassemble the set up. Is there another way?

 

[charlie4486]

what color is the algae? if it's brown, it's most likely a diatom which will go away with time. diatoms are caused by excess silicates in the water.

 

[rdd1952]

Changing the fiter pack won't help. If you can describe it, someone can possibly help with getting rid of it. If you had an AE in the tank ad it wsn't eating it, you could have the dreaded blue-green algae that is so difficult o get rid of.

It's doubtful that the 2 fish were the cause. How long are your lights on each day? Is the tank eer exposed to direct sunlight? How often/much do you feed? Too much light and overfeeding are the 2 most common causes of algae, especially when combined.

 

[SprinklerBandit]

I try to leave my lights on about 8-10 hours a day, and I'm fairly consistent. There is no direct sunlight in my room, and I feed the betta once a day. I'll watch to make sure he's eating everything, but I haven't had too much of a problem with uneaten food.

The algae is a deep green color. It looks kinda like a silky carpet.

 

[rdd1952]

Definitely sounds like blue green algae. It is almost impossible to get rid of. Some have had success with a 3-day blackout. I had it and tried that and although it was gone after the 3 days, it still came back. To much light, over feeding and high phosphate are prime causes. Do you have live plants? If not, try only burning the lights when you are there to view the fish. Do more water changes to reduce nitrate and add more plants to out-compete the algae for food.

 

[SprinklerBandit]

Thank you for the link and the advice! I'll be looking into it.