I Think I Have Algea Buildup

[Hero]

I have 4 african cichlids currently in a 20gl tank that I'm attempting to cycle. 3-4 days without the UV light being on and I finally have a nitrite reading of .25. My question is about a substance that has built up on all 4 walls of the tank. When I look from the side it looks like algea buildup. What could I add to the tank to take care of this problem and what caused it in the first place?

 

[Hero]

/bump

 

[MHS]

When you are cycling your tank you will usually get a lot of algae and even for abit after you may still get some problems with it.

If you add plenty of plants you shouldn't have very many probles with algae... other than that I don't know what you could do.

Do you add CO2 or any type of fertilization to your tank?
How long do you keep your lights on?

Cheers

Andy

 

[Hero]

When you are cycling your tank you will usually get a lot of algae and even for abit after you may still get some problems with it.

If you add plenty of plants you shouldn't have very many probles with algae... other than that I don't know what you could do.

Do you add CO2 or any type of fertilization to your tank?
How long do you keep your lights on?

Cheers

Andy

No CO2... there are no plants. I have kept the light (UV) off for like 4-5 days now because it appeared to be slowing down the cycling process.

 

[MHS]

Does the tank get any direct sunlight form any windows?

Andy

 

[Hero]

Does the tank get any direct sunlight form any windows?

Andy

It is in a window and light does get through buts its not direct because I have light blue drapes always closed on the window. I think I'm going to go buy a clown pleco... I read they get from 3-5" and can live in a 20gl for life....sounds good?

 

[MHS]

It is in a window and light does get through buts its not direct because I have light blue drapes always closed on the window. I think I'm going to go buy a clown pleco... I read they get from 3-5" and can live in a 20gl for life....sounds good?

I would get a BN plec, I had a clown pleco and it didn't eat much algae and I only saw him 2-3 times a week really early in the morning but that was just with me; you could try to get other people opinions on that also(I'm not a expert on clown plecs)

Andy

 

[rabbut]

It is in a window and light does get through buts its not direct because I have light blue drapes always closed on the window. I think I'm going to go buy a clown pleco... I read they get from 3-5" and can live in a 20gl for life....sounds good?

I would get a BN plec, I had a clown pleco and it didn't eat much algae and I only saw him 2-3 times a week really early in the morning but that was just with me; you could try to get other people opinions on that also(I'm not a expert on clown plecs)

Andy

I'll second thet recomendation. Remember to wait unitll the tank fully cycles though, as they need immaculate water quality, and all plecs need veggies in their diet. Cucumber, zuchinie/caugettee and patato go down well.
HTH
rabbut

 

[Hero]

I'll second thet recomendation. Remember to wait unitll the tank fully cycles though, as they need immaculate water quality, and all plecs need veggies in their diet. Cucumber, zuchinie/caugettee and patato go down well.
HTH
rabbut

Well I decided to go with a clown pleco. I just love the colors so much more (bumble bee plecos are phenominal too, but get to big). I just bought and and now he is in the tank. MY water stats are .25 ammonia, .25 nitrite and 10 nitrate so hopefully the tank should be fully cycled in 3-4 days?

 

[rabbut]

I'll second thet recomendation. Remember to wait unitll the tank fully cycles though, as they need immaculate water quality, and all plecs need veggies in their diet. Cucumber, zuchinie/caugettee and patato go down well.
HTH
rabbut

Well I decided to go with a clown pleco. I just love the colors so much more (bumble bee plecos are phenominal too, but get to big). I just bought and and now he is in the tank. MY water stats are .25 ammonia, .25 nitrite and 10 nitrate so hopefully the tank should be fully cycled in 3-4 days?

Its never possible to predict how long a cycle will take. Make sure the ammonia ans nirite remain below 0.25ppm at all times. Much higher and you new pleco will start to struggle.
Rabbut

 

[Hero]

Its never possible to predict how long a cycle will take. Make sure the ammonia ans nirite remain below 0.25ppm at all times. Much higher and you new pleco will start to struggle.
Rabbut

I will def keep them below < .25

I sent you a PM asking about the substance on my walls... from reading other post I'm starting to think it's not algea. Its a white buildup and it's on all walls but the one that the filter is on. I'm sure this is due to overfeeding and not cleaning the gravel (which I did today). What is this white substance?