Problems With Red Algae

[Andrew G]

I've been having problems with a build up of red algae. My 20g is well planted with java fern, banana etc. with 4 resident tiger barbs and 3 white skirt tetras.

If I leave the light on for the usual time periods, I get a very bad build up of red algae that cover all exposed surfaces....plants, substrate, rocks, everything. The red algae will fade only when the light is left off for several days/weeks.

Other than that, the tank is problem free and the fish are very healthy.

How do I get rid of this red algae?

 

[QuotheRaven]

Is it red or a lightish brown I read that Oto's eat many types of algae that other fish don't

 

[Andrew G]

Is it red or a lightish brown I read that Oto's eat many types of algae that other fish don't

It's probably more of a lightish brown.

 

[QuotheRaven]

well I read that Oto's eat brown algae so perhaps thats an option

 

[Andrew G]

well I read that Oto's eat brown algae so perhaps thats an option

How many do you think I'd need for a 20g? There's a lot to eat.

 

[QuotheRaven]

it would be best to get a picture of the algae to make sure. Oto's prefer to be in groups but not sure how large

 

[JamesC]

Sounds like diatoms. Take a look at my web page in signature where I've got some photos of algae you can compare yours to. Very normal with new tank setups due to silicates. Generally disappears after a few weeks.

 

[Andrew G]

Sounds like diatoms. Take a look at my web page in signature where I've got some photos of algae you can compare yours to. Very normal with new tank setups due to silicates. Generally disappears after a few weeks.

Yep, that's what it is. One problem....my tank is not a new set-up, I've had it for 2 years now. No other problems but the brown algae. Seems to get worse when the lights are left on for an extended period of time.

How do I rid the tank of this stuff?

 

[JamesC]

How big is your tank? How much light do you have and how long is it on for? Have you replaced or added any new gravel recently?

 

[Andrew G]

How big is your tank? How much light do you have and how long is it on for? Have you replaced or added any new gravel recently?

20 gal, standard 19W flour bulb, on 6-8 hrs per day.
No replacement/addition of gravel.

 

[Dude]

i have the same problem with my tank! i will follow up with this post to see what i can do

im tired of runing a credit card on the glass just to clear my view...

althoug it looks awesome on the rocks!

 

[JamesC]

Brown algae is also associated with low light. You are currently running less than 1wpg which is very low for plants. Raising it a bit higher would probably help. How old is your tube as tubes degrade with time? Often a simple tube replacement can help. 8 to 10 hours of lighting is good for plants.

As a side note I often find brown algae grows in the water pipes going down to the external filter. This is because there is little light there.

 

[Andrew G]

Brown algae is also associated with low light. You are currently running less than 1wpg which is very low for plants. Raising it a bit higher would probably help. How old is your tube as tubes degrade with time? Often a simple tube replacement can help. 8 to 10 hours of lighting is good for plants.

As a side note I often find brown algae grows in the water pipes going down to the external filter. This is because there is little light there.

My bulb is about 10 months old. What's the correct wattage for my tank (what's the formula figuring for wpg)?

 

[JamesC]

I normally replace my tubes every 9 months. Try a new tube and see if it helps. WPG is total wattage of lights divided by tank volume in US gallons. In your case it is 19/20=0.95wpg.

 

[Andrew G]

I normally replace my tubes every 9 months. Try a new tube and see if it helps. WPG is total wattage of lights divided by tank volume in US gallons. In your case it is 19/20=0.95wpg.

Thanks,

If my WPG is .95 and you say it's too low, what should the WPG be?

What is the ideal percentage.