Algae Problem

[PaulEbs]

Our small coldwater tank has been harbouring ill-looking algae on the glass and plants since we set it up a few weeks ago. We have a hillstream loach who doesn't seem to like this kind of algae But we would really like to know how else to control it as it looks disgusting and isn't giving the java moss, fern, and moss ball a chance...

As you can see, the java moss is having a hard time growing against the constant algae battle..

Any advice on best methods to treat this pain in the bum would be appreciated.

We've tried changing the bulb from one that is for general use for one that's especially for helping plants grow. But that doesn't seem to have changed the problem much..

 

[fishwatcher]

I'd scrape off the glass and do some heavy vaccuming. How long have you had the new bulb?

 

[4ftguppy]

I would imagine the problem will solve itself eventually. New tanks get algae problems becuase the filter, plants, and natural bacteria on every surface are not properly established - and there is a source of nutrients that the algae can take advantage of

You need to reduce the amount of nutrients, whether by adding less food for a while, doing more water changes or one solution may be to add (temporarily) a lot of quick growing plants that can outcompete algae - hornwort springs to mind, but there are others that survive cold water

Sometimes our tapwater itself is the source of these nutrients, and if so, make sure you have enough (quick growing) plants to eat them up - (some use nitrate/phosphate removing resins - more hassle than they are worth)

Java moss and fern, and algae balls are slow growing and although excellent plants, probably not best suited for a face to face confrontation with algae

Relying on fish to clear up algae is not, in my opinion, a practical answer - better to make the environment algae-unfriendly

 

[PaulEbs]

cheers for the help 4ftguppy.. I'm continually doing water changes, and gravel vacs, but it just grows at such a speed!! I'll try and get some small fast growing plants, see if that'll do the trick.

I read that brown-algae grows rapidly in new tanks and goes away after a couple of months, so I spose it'll be daily cleans and hoovers till then.

The only thing i was really worried about was the algae growing on the fern and moss. I've tried to scrape as much of it off as I can, but fear that i may be damaging the plants in some way. Are there any nutrient boosters for these specific plants that i can get hold of, that won't encourage even more algae?

Cheers.