Algae

[GUYZY]

I have this really persistant algae that never seems to go away. I've done loads of tests on my water and everything is really low except for Nitrate. Is it the Nitrate that is causing me all these problems or is it something else? I've heard that sunlight can give you algae but how much sunlight is needed to cause the algae problem?

I would be very grateful for any advice

 

[voo]

I think it'd help if you gave a little more detail about your tank, then we can get a better idea of what might be the cause.

What size is the tank?
What is the wattage of your lights?
Do you add CO2?
Do you add any fertilizers?
Is the tank getting any direct sunlight?
What are the water statistics? Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate?

 

[GUYZY]

Tropiquarium 68 - about a 70 litre tank
I'm not sure about my wattage of my lights
No CO2
No fertilizers at the mo
Its getting a tiny bit of direct sunlight when the sun rises and sets but only for about ten minutes and the light travels through one window and then another window and then hits the side of the tank.
Ammonia and nitrate levels are very low and nitrate levels are quite high but I'm not sure about exact amount because I need to get refills for my test kit.

 

[George Farmer]

You don't mention plants. In a planted tank algae is generally a result of poor plant growth, or too few plants, or more likely both. The reasons behind this should be addressed, then algae shouldn't be an issue.

 

[GUYZY]

I only have a few plants such as vallis.

 

[Underwurlde]

The idea is that if you have loads of fast growing healthy plants, they out compete any algae...
...in other words, goodbye algae!

Andy