Lighting and Algae Question

[Bottom Dweller]

There is a lot of brown algae growing on the rocks and gravel in my tank.
I read that this is caused by low light levels.
Since I was only running the overhead lights for approx 5 hours a day, I
figured that was the problem and left the light on for about 10 hours.
Found a floater this morning - no deaths in past 6 months - coincidence or cuz of the increased light the past few days? The tank has been up and running for about a year.

Result due to the 10 hours of light:
more brown algae on the gravel and rocks and more green algae on the glass.

I currently have the standard two strip fluorescent that comes with most hoods.
32 watt double tube, the tank is 21" high

more light, less light, different tubes, add java fern..........ANY SUGGESTIONS?

 

[Silly me]

thats less than 1wpg..

increasing the lights on a tank will almost always increase the algae in the tank , but hopefully if will also increase the growth of your plants, and if all goes well it should increase the growth of your plant to such a extend that the plant out compete the algae for nutrients and light.

 

[Bottom Dweller]

Currently I have no plants and am hesitant since Africans are veggie eaters

 

[George Farmer]

Currently I have no plants and am hesitant since Africans are veggie eaters

Then I think algae is something you'll have to learn to live with. To limit it you could only light when you're viewing.

 

[nitro]

If its only brown algea, why not look into getting a Bristlenose to help keep the algea under control?

Just a thought.

 

[alfdawg]

I just put some Wisteria, Anubias nana, java moss and fern, and hornwort In two of my tanks a couple of weeks ago. I have two green terrors, three convicts, and two jewels. They picked on them a little at first but have since left them alone. They all seem to be doing good except for the hornwort, which I think is my fault. To make a long story short I think you should try a couple of plants and see what happens. The cichlids might mess with them at first and might not.

 

[Silly me]

Brown algae is most Africans/ Malawi's staple diet.. they should love the conditions created by your problem..

 

[Bottom Dweller]

I have one pleco and am planning to add a bristlenose nose or two.
I also will try adding a couple of plants and see how it goes.
The brown algae is unsightly so I cleaned it, hopefully it takes a while to come back or the plecos eat it. The africans oddly enough don't touch it.

Thanks for all your help!