Hair Algea

[katykaye]

Water stats

PH 7.8
NitrAte 20ppm
Amonia 0
NitrIte 0
Temp 27/80

Tank and stocking as in my sig

A week ago I had problems in my tank with dead fishies and algae on my plants. I treated the tank with a bacterial med and some algae control. I also did a 55% water change.

Now the remaining fish seem ok, except my Gouramis who have red gills (but no other symptoms of anything) but my poor tank is covered - and I mean covered, root, plants, gravel, everything in fine hair algea. I cannot get to the bottom of what might be causing this. I have had this particular tank up and running for 7 months but had other tanks for 2 years before and I have NEVER had algea problems before.

Any help greatly recieved.

Many thanks

 

[erk628]

bump

 

[Truck]

how long do you have your aquarium lights on a day? if its any more than 10 hours reduce to 5 a day until the problem clears. if you have live plants i dont have any suggestions

 

[Declan]

I know someone who had this problem recurring every year or so, and he does a 'blackout' period, he turns the lights off and doesnt turn them on for about 5 days or until its cleared, as algea need light to grow.

HTH,

D.

 

[aaronnorth]

because of the fishes dying, and the red gills, it could of been an ammonia spike (which is also a cause of hair algae). Using algae control is not the best way to go.

If your tank is really bad, a blackout might be the best option:

1) remove as much as possible
2) 50% water change
3) 3-5 day blackout, no lights or natural daylight (cover up with blankets)
4) 50% water change