Algae Help.

[bmonki]

We seem to have a bit of an algae problem happening at the moment, its mainly a yellow/brown on the glass and gravel and decs (i'll be removing the decs today to give them another good scrub but it just keeps coming back! The tank has been running for about 4 months.

we have two clown plecs, so im not sure adding a bn plec would be a good idea due to the massive amounts of poo produced already, not sure the filter would cope (we are also slightly overstocked, i realise that however im on a strict maintenance plan and the fish seem happy so not too worried until they grow bigger and we plan to upgrade the size tank.)

what else can i do to rid the algae? (im considering changing subs to sand instead of the white gravel we have but that wont solve it being on the glass)
Not really thinking to get loads of live plants, one interesting thing like a moss ball maybe but i dont really want the added extra of caring for live plants as i have 2 very small kids and little time.

any ideas?

 

[coolie]

Snails. Also maybe reduce the lighting slightly.

 

[bmonki]

the light is only on for around 6 hours a day thats at a complete max, it is near a window however so gets partial daylight.

is there any snails that wont breed massively? also will the have much impact on the bioload?

 

[Essjay]

Nerite snails can't breed in fresh water, though a female will lay sesame seed-like eggs. The newly hatched snails need to be in salt water to survive. The one thing I would worry about though - would clown plecs bother the snails like loaches would?

 

[bmonki]

bump, any other ideas? just worried snails will overload the filter