Algae

[mikky77]

Hello everyone, in my tank, I have real and plastic plants.I noticed tonight,that there is algae ( like fine green hairs ) growing on them.I also have two pieces of bogwood, one has these green hairs,the other not ! Is this normal ? I clean the algae off the glass,about once a week.This is a newish tank 3-4 weeks.Thanks,for any advice.

 

[RedeyesUK]

Unfortunately, algae, at least to some degree, is going to be normal.

There's lots you can do to minimise it though!

Can you give us water stats (ammonia/nitrite/nitrate)?
Do you have lights on the tank, and if so how long do you keep them on for?
Are there any fish in there yet, and if so, which type?

There's a few fish around which are great at eating algae, although some of them may not be suitable, depending on your tank size.

 

[mikky77]

My ammonia/nitrite levels are zero.I have never tested for Nitrate.I only have 6 fish, 4 danio's ,2 guppies ( tank 55 litres ), will be adding more later. Tank very shaded,lights on 10 - 11 hours a day.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

lights are on a little long i thin, try 8 hrs a day and see if this controls the algae a bit more.

 

[nigsy]

lights are on a little long i thin, try 8 hrs a day and see if this controls the algae a bit more.

Totally agree, your lights only need to be on a few hours a day, mine are on a timer: 7am till 9am and 4pm till 9pm (7 hours if my maths is any good).

Maybe in the short term, turn the light off completely for 7 days (your fish won't mind, no flurescent tubes in the wild) and see if this controls growth.

I'll say this again though, shrimps are your best bet for controlling algae on plants and rock, and they are really interesting to have in a tank.

 

[vinylman]

More live plants would help, too; fast growers like Elodea Densa (several bunches would be best, cheap, too)or some Hygrophila.