Algae Build-up

[trixilator]

Have had my Aqua One acrylic tank for 3 months and am concerned about the build up of algae on the substrate, artificial plants and rocks and particularly on the insides. Is there a chemical to help clear this or is it an elbow job? If the latter, then how do you clean the pebble substrate?

 

[VespertineStar]

I've had a small tank set up for just over a year now and I've learned the following things from this forum and from experience.

A bit of algae isn't bad for the aquarium, quite the opposite in fact, unless it's blue-green algae(someone feel free to step in and correct me there).

Algae on artificial plants makes them look more natural instead of that really bright green they start out as.

A good gravel vac on the substrate will usually disturb the surface of it enough to uncover cleaner elements of the gravel but if done weekly the build up of algae will be much slower. I suppose it's along the lines of a rolling rock gathers no moss.

Rocks can be taken out periodically and given a wash and a bit of a scrub with clean water, no washing up liquid etc.

 

[AdAndrews]

yea, some algae is good, however if you wish to get rid of it you can either:

increase light so plants will thrive, this way some algae will disappear,
clean it every week with a scrubbing brush and a magnitised glass cleaner
or the best option buy a small algae eater like an otto, if it fits into ur set up

 

[trixilator]

[Many thanks tautitan and adandrews for algae advice. I take it there is no chemical cleaner you can just add to the water so will have a go at what you suggest. I've been told those magnetised cleaning thingies shouldnt only be used on glass - mines an acrylic tank.
Cheers!

 

[VespertineStar]

I can't say for sure but from what I've read adding chems to your tank when the problem isn't a danger to the fish is usually a bad idea as some of them upset the balance of your tank and some aren't very good for the fish either.

The following site has some info on algae http/www.aquariumpros.com/faqpro/algae_1.shtml#05200084

You can buy algae scrapers that are specifically designed for acrylic tanks, just don't use a metal razor blade.

A weekly maintenence schedule works the best but don't be too over zealous.

 

[OldMan47]

The algae cleaners made for acrylic are much softer to avoid damaging the tank. You will need to be very careful using them since any bit of sand or gravel that gets between the cleaner and the tank can leave nasty scrape marks very easily. There are algae killers made for aquariums but I avoid them the same way that I avoid most other chemicals.

 

[jumblepod]

You havnt got the tank near a window have you?

 

[Schmill]

yea, some algae is good, however if you wish to get rid of it you can either:

increase light so plants will thrive, this way some algae will disappear,
clean it every week with a scrubbing brush and a magnitised glass cleaner
or the best option buy a small algae eater like an otto, if it fits into ur set up

Of course if you have artifical plants, or are already 'over-lighting' then reducing the amount of time you have the light on for will help reduce your algae growth too. If you have no LIVE plants then you'll be wanting to keep your hours of lighting quite short so as not to encourage the algae to much.

As for cleaning, (I have a glass tank), I have a scraper and a magnetic cleaner, but so far my tool of choice has been a cheapo Wilkinsons washing up sponge on a handle It's basically a green 'scourer' on a yellow sponge, and the whole thing on a handle, yeah, I get a wet hand, but it's only water, and the clenaing is gentle but quick