Carpet Algea Problem

[bigblokey0]

how can i cure this problem i have with a carpet of algae that keeps forming on my tank i use a gravel hoover for my water changes and i manually remove the algue as well everyother day but it still keeps coming back

 

[bigblokey0]

any ideas?

 

[ihasanzongi]

how long do you leave your lights on for? and dose it get Sun light as well?

 

[crazie.eddie]

Is it blue green algae you are talking about? Does it form a layer on the substrate, that you can easily remove by syphoning? If so, add more current in the area.

 

[bigblokey0]

the lights are on more often than not and yes its on the substrate but how can i add more currant to the area any suggestions?

 

[mark.w.jones]

Not sure about more current. Something is not right in your tank otherwise you wouldnt get it in the first place. Best cure is planting on 50% of substrate with easy, fast growing plants. This will cure most people's algae issues. Also regular water changes and gravel vacs will help dilute excess nutrients. This article offers more detailed advice:

http/www.aquahobby.com/articles/e_algae.php

 

[bigblokey0]

ive got two plants growing one of which is taking over the tank

 

[mark.w.jones]

ive got two plants growing one of which is taking over the tank

what does it look like?

 

[bigblokey0]

heres a pic of my tank

 

[mark.w.jones]

I was hoping for a slightly closer shot but ill do my best

The one on the left looks like a fairly big amazon species. Either a true amazon sword Echinodorus amazonicus or maybe a ruffled sword Echinodorus major im not a plant expert though. The one on the right I can't see clearly enough, sorry. Either way I have some advice. Firstly if suggest topping your tank all the way up. Youre losing a few gallons of water in stocking space there. Second, your thermometer will be just as happy on the side and won't be so prominent then. Thirdly, you need some faster growing plants. Some Java fern tied to one of the logs with cotton would help. Limnophila sessiliflora grows quick and makes a good background plant. Hornwort is a fast growing floating option. Finally Vallisneria spiralis is a great, easy to grow background plant. I would alco consider removing the amazon sword on the left or keep it in check with reular pruning if I were you to keep it under control.

 

[bigblokey0]

sorry about the pic lol heres a closer one

i didnt realise you was allowed to fill the tank to the top
why is it important for a fast growing plant or a background plant ?

 

[mark.w.jones]

Fast growing plants need a lot of energy and nutrients all the time to keep growing, and pruning them encourages them to grow further. They then out compete the algae for these nutrients and stop them from being able to grow in any major numbers in your tank. That's it in a nutshell. The ones I mentioned before are all fast growing so will hopefully contribute towards achieving a better nutrient balance in your tank. Background plants stop you seeing the back of the tank and make things look more realistic. Look here for some inspiration:

http/showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/2006...e=view-showcase

I have also noticed you don't have a background stuck to the outside at the back of your tank. A big piece of black card cellotaped to the back looks good. Some people also suggest coating the back with vaseline and sticking black binliner to it.

ps That other plant. Still havnt got a clue Post the pic in the planted tanks forum if you want a definitive answer. Those guys love an ID challenge!

 

[bigblokey0]

well thanks for the input youve been a great help ive sinced moved me thermometor to the side and filled the tank to the top i gotta say what a difference that made looks cleaner and bigger now thanks again