how do i keep algae in an ecosystem without turning the water green

[baldmelvinsneedly]

so i have gambusia and 1 bladder snail, the water has become green, there is no light besides the flourescents in the room they are kept in, i have a scraper for when it grows on the sides, but how do i keep the algae in the water and provent it from turning the water green

 

[connorlindeman]

Why do you want to keep algae in the water column?
What you are experiencing is an overgrowth of phytoplankton. It is caused by too much direct light coupled with high nutrients in the water. Is the aquarium right in front of a window? Direct sunlight can do this.

 

[connorlindeman]

Could you also post a picture of the aquarium in question?

 

[baldmelvinsneedly]

Why do you want to keep algae in the water column?
What you are experiencing is an overgrowth of phytoplankton. It is caused by too much direct light coupled with high nutrients in the water. Is the aquarium right in front of a window? Direct sunlight can do this.

the tank has a built in light, i can turn it off and on, is there a schedule you´d reccomend to keep the light on (for a 5 gallon and i am still in school)

 

[Colin_T]

You can try having the light on from 9am to 9pm.

 

[MaloK]

If I understand correctly you want to keep your algae scrapings inside the tank for the snails and fish to feed on ?

Slowly scrape from top to bottom and slightly tap on the substrate at the bottom to leave it near the glass. Stop filtration and move slowly not to mix the scrapings with the water layer.

Many fish and invertebrates loves it and will eat it in minutes.