Community Algae Problem

[pkppv]

Ok, so in my community 40gal there has recently been quite the algae breakout. I know its due to highish nitrates and overlighting. I have a small 2in common pleco in my 15gallon, and theres really not much algae in there at all. Im not nessecarily trying to use little plecy to solve my problems but rather i feel like he might really enjoy having all that algae to feed on. Should he stay where he is or make the move? My stocking lists are in my sig if you need them for anything. Thanks for the ideas!

 

[soybean]

The 15 gallon is far too small for a common plec. Small at the moment or not, the size of the tank will affect his growth (and by that I do NOT mean fish grow to the size of the tank), and you risk stunting it, which can lead to all sorts of internal problems. I also think you're pushing it with 11 tiger barbs in there!

You could put it in the 40 gallon but as you have shark(s) in there I think you'd be setting yourself up for a lot of aggression over territory. The 40 gallon doesn't have great stocking either. The cory should be in a group of 6+, as should the yoyo loaches, as should the tetras. But I don't think 40 gallons is large enough for all of these AND the sharks and plec I'm afraid.

 

[pkppv]

Sigh...knew someone would get on my about stocking. Most of the fish in my 40 are from other peoples tanks, that they had to get rid of, so thats why i dont have good shoal sizes. Also, the plec will be stunted even at 2inches? or will it be ok until its like 4, and will then require to make the move to something bigger?

 

[soybean]

In my opinion fish should be housed in tanks suitable for their adult size from as early an age as possible. I don't think 40 gallons is large enough for a fully grown common plec. Given the choice between the two tank sizes, it should be in the 40. Given your existing stock in the 40, I woudn't put it in for long. So I don't know what to tell you.

Why don't you rehome the unsuitable fish? Even something like returning the cory and yoyos - they would at least then be living with others of their own kind.

 

[pkppv]

rehoming would be great, if i didnt live in the middle of nowhere. There are no lfs to donate them to, but i guess i could try to find another fishkeeper.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

You've got two problems that you can solve at the same time. You have a lot of algae in the 40 gallon tank and a common plec that needs a bigger home. Why is there even debate in your mind about this... move the plec. Then start to look for a BIGGER tank for it permanently. They need a tank that is at least 4 feet long, preferrably 5 or 6.


Algae is primarily caused because you have too much light on the tank. Do you have live plants? If you don't, the lights aren't necessary at all, except for when you are looking at the fish. You shouldn't have the lights on for more than 4 hours a day. Choose 4 hours that you are home to see the fish. If you have live plants, the lights should be on 6-8 hours a day. Longer than that and you will have algae problems. You could have them on a LITTLE longer to ensure a natural supply of algae for your plec, but not too much. Also, if that is what you are doing, then don't worry about the "look" so much.