Algae Question

[Annastasia]

Hi all,

First time posting in this section, but I have a question. I had a 30 gallon set up for about 2 years, but it got over-run with black/red algae. I took it all down, bleached everything, set it back up, only to have the algae re-appear 2 weeks later. I finally just took it all the way down, moved the fish, and put it in my storage closet. I'm wanting to set it back up now, as some of my fish are growing and need the room, but I'm afraid to due to the algae coming back.

Stats I'm guesing you'd want: I've never been much of a green thumb,so I just have some simple live plants in all of my tanks. Java Fern, Amazon Swords, Java Moss....easy ones like that. I don't fertilise or do CO2 either. This tank just has one fluorescent tube light on it.

So now, my questions:

1. Any thoughts why it's just this tank? I have a duplicate 30g right next to it, same everything, and it never got it. Neither have any of my other tanks in all of my 8 years of fishkeeping.
2. Is it going to come back when I set it up again? It's been dry for about 6 months now..would that have killed it?
3. And if so...what can I do to get rid of it for good?

It IS a used tank, so I'm wondering if it can retain the spores or something? Sorry, not much of a planted tank person, so I apologize if this all sounds stupid! ) I've read the pinned topics, but I got slightly lost. Feel free to tell me to shut up, sit down, and try to figure it out for my slow mind though.

 

[George Farmer]

Sorry, not much of a planted tank person, so I apologize if this all sounds stupid! )

Welcome to the Planted section Annastasia,

Your question doesn't sound stupid at all. Thanks for all the background info, it helps.

With 6 months dry in your tank I'd like to say there's little or no chance of the algae surviving. It is odd that the algae did re-appear after your strip down/bleaching, I can only assume that you missed something, algae is very hardy and can survive the most unpleasant of environments (unfortunately for us on this occasion!).

I would run the tank and keep a close eye. If the same algae re-appears quickly then I'd honestly give up and donate the tank to science .

Good luck.

 

[Annastasia]

Thanks for the welcome and the reply!

I seriously bleached the life out of everything. Only one plant went back in originally, along with the heater and filter. That stuff must be determined! I will run the tank and see what happens. Maybe bleach it again for good measure. Though what I'm thinking, is to use the filter/heater/decorations from the tank I'm upgrading. That way there is no chance of it coming back from the equipment, just from the actual tank. But then, all that tank's stuff is going to be contaiminated should it come back....I don't know what to do. All I know is Algae and I are not good friends.

Do you have any idea why it's just here though? Do you think it came with the tank then?

 

[George Farmer]

algae and I are not good friends.

Do you have any idea why it's just here though? Do you think it came with the tank then?

Algae is my worst fear. For the planted hobbyist it is the first sign that all is not well.

I assume that it arrived with your tank, it's the only logical explanation.

Best of luck, and if you do decide to go "fully" planted you know where to come.

 

[Annastasia]

I don't know what could be wrong though! I feel like such a bad fish keeper now. I'm guessing it came with the tank...though you'd think they'd warn you about it. I'm pretty good friends with them, so I'll call and ask if it ever had it before.

I'd LOVE to go fully-planted, but I just don't have much time! I'm a big horse person, so they keep me busy and I also breed Wild Bettas. I'm guessing it's pretty hard to maintain, am I right?

This is the closest I've ever gotten to planted.

and

 

[George Farmer]

and

That's closer than some that claim to be fully planted.

You can run a well-planted tank with not much effort. The key is getting the equipment right first, then planting the correct plants then maintaining accordingly. I spend 1 - 2 hours per week on mine.

 

[Annastasia]

Haha, thanks.

1-2 hours a week isn't bad. I could probably handle that. Though I'd probably start out small, like my 10g with the Wild Bettas. Is there a problem with it that small, or is it just you need smaller plants? I mean, it's got some plants already (Can't see the back of the tank, or the Bettas ), but I'm not sure how much more it's going to need to be considered "fully planted". Or if it's going to need CO2, and everything. Sorry, I'm clueless. Maybe I'll start a topic about this.

Thanks so much for your help already, and your tank is lovely!

 

[George Farmer]

Haha, thanks.

1-2 hours a week isn't bad. I could probably handle that. Though I'd probably start out small, like my 10g with the Wild Bettas. Is there a problem with it that small, or is it just you need smaller plants? I mean, it's got some plants already (Can't see the back of the tank, or the Bettas ), but I'm not sure how much more it's going to need to be considered "fully planted". Or if it's going to need CO2, and everything. Sorry, I'm clueless. Maybe I'll start a topic about this.

Thanks so much for your help already, and your tank is lovely!

Small is good. 10G is a very popular size, in fact the 2005 AGA contest winner was only 8G - http/showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/2005...y=0&vol=0&id=81

Light, CO2, substrate, ferts, plant selection and layout are the key to acheiving a look like this. You've come to the right place for any advice you may need, although personally I lack the artistic talent required for such beauty.

 

[Annastasia]

Wooooow, what a nice tank! I can only dream about a tank like that. I'll start reading up, and will come back with any questions. Thanks so much!

...I lack the artistic talent required for such beauty.

You're not the only one. Though your tank is pretty in a simple kind of way. I like it.