Green Tank And Losing Hope

[bubble gum]

I feel like I have tried everything... what can I do?

my tank has been green since March 2006 with little success at bringing it back to normal. The green is in the water not on the tank walls.

aquarium age - nearly 2 years

tank shape - 30 gal round, it is an old bubble gum machine converted into a fish tank

fish - angel, gold, and chinese sucker fish

feedings - 2-3 minutes a day

last time added new fish - october 2005

all levels - last I tested at a fish shop it was perfect

lighting - the tank is not in direct sun light but the room gets good natural light, I also have a small spot light that I have not used in months

temperature - 77, heated

filter - fluval 3 plus, underwater with added airation

rocks - No but marbles

since I have been having this problem for a long time I have been trying everything, I have done partial water changes, I have done a complete restart (I put the fish in a pail for 1 week and waited for the aquarium to show it's true colours, I readded the fish and it was beautiful for one month but now it is back). I have added algropur, taken all the extras out of the tank, I bought the $50 fluval filter, I turned off the light, I turned on the light, I darkened the tank with black plastic, had the water tested again, talked to several fish stores, I already under feed them and somtimes I don't feed them. I am really at the end of my fish days here, help me! The tank is beautiful when it is clear.

Has anyone seen this before? what was the cause?

 

[sparklefuzz]

I'm only a beginner, but my tank went green a few months back. I have a juwel filter with a stack of sponges and the activated carbon one needed replacing (a black one) I replaced it and the water cleared. I'm not sure if you can maybe get some activated carbon or something which will do the same thing. Don't take it as gospel, but it might be worth looking into. Good luck.

 

[sparklefuzz]

oops double post

 

[annka5]

green water is generally too much light or too much phosphate. High nitrates also cause it.
Can you do anything to reduce the light entering the tank?
Have you tested for phosphate? You can get phosphate removal stuff or use RO water if you have to.
I assume the nitrate levels are pretty low as you've had the water tested at LFS.
I have a UV clarifier/sterilizer, which is fully submersible, and has completely cleared the water in my tank - no green algae, water crystal clear. I would really recommend them.

 

[bubble gum]

I do not have any carbon filteration right now, I guess I could try that next.

thanks for the advice.

green water is generally too much light or too much phosphate. High nitrates also cause it.
Can you do anything to reduce the light entering the tank?
Have you tested for phosphate? You can get phosphate removal stuff or use RO water if you have to.
I assume the nitrate levels are pretty low as you've had the water tested at LFS.
I have a UV clarifier/sterilizer, which is fully submersible, and has completely cleared the water in my tank - no green algae, water crystal clear. I would really recommend them.

thanks for the advice and information.

I will looking to the nitrate and phosphate levels.
what is ro water?
Is the UV clarifyer another type of filter ?