Algae!

[Aj86]

I have a huge Algae problem it is covering my whole tank, on the gravel, covered the rocks and on the glass... I bought some otto's but i dont they will be able to get rid of it all... the rocks are like black! Anyone have any ideas in what i could do?

 

[Dubby]

How old is the tank? If it is cycling then it should go away on its own (with help from ottos). It would also be helpful to know nitrates, lighting, size of tank, natural plants etc.

 

[Aquamick]

I find boiling rocks in water from a kettle and then scrubbing with a kitchen scrubber works well to remove hard algae.

 

[pgtips]

Is it a new tank?

I had loads and loads of brown algae in one of my tanks when it was new. Then the brown turned to Green and now it has stabalised.

Also how long do you leave your lights on for?

Cheers

Paul

 

[Aj86]

Hey everyone thanx for replying my tanks a 17g with a 4 foot 40watt light running across it because i have 2 17g tanks together i have live plants in there but arnt growing very well i think its because of the algae, Its not a new tank its been running for about 3 - 4 months now... I just pulled everything out and sucked most the algae out so hopefully that will work thanx for your help guys!

 

[Cavafish]

the plants will be growing well as they require the same nutrients as the algae to grow. Algae is just a very basic plant form after all. Test your water or get your LFS to test it - I bet you get a high nitrate reading. Water changes will help but so will adding more plant s as they will compete with the algae for food.