Green algae forming on substrate. How do I stop it?!

[eddr86]

Hi all,

I’ve noticed a green algae forming on the substrate (see pictures). How can I stop this before there’s an outbreak?!

I believe it started when adding 2 banana plants I bought (which look far from healthy!). But can’t be sure.

Any help would be appreciated.

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[Colin_T]

it's blue green algae (Cyanobacter bacteria). It loves light, nutrients and slow moving water. Cut back on dry food, do more water changes and gravel cleans. And increase water movement around the bottom of the tank.

 

[eddr86]

Great thank you. Did a 50% water change at weekend, but didn’t clean gravel so will do so at the weekend.

The external filters poly foam was also blocked up so the flow had decreased which I’ve now rectified. Will see how it goes.

Should I decrease light hours for a while?


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[mikey11]

regular gravel vacuuming will get rid of any substrate algae, it is basically turning the substrate over,

 

[Colin_T]

do a 50% water change and complete gravel clean each day to try and physically suck the Cyanobacteria out of the tank. Make sure you wash the gravel cleaner and bucket out with hot water afterwards and wash your hands and arms because blue green algae can irritate your skin.

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Don't bother reducing light if you have live plants in the tank.

If you have a fluorescent light on the tank and the light globe is more than 12 months old, see about replacing the globe and starter. The starter is in the light unit and should be replaced each time the globe is replaced.

Get a globe with a Kelvin (K) rating around 6500K. As fluoro globes get old they produce more yellow and red light and this can encourage blue green algae. A globes with a higher Kelvin rating (6500K) will have more blue light and can help reduce the algae.