Too Much Algae

[EllieW]

Hi can someone help.

Over the last couple of days my tank has been overrun by algae its everywhere.

Last week i did make line the lid with foil to make the light reflect more, could this be the cause?

Any idea what I can do?

Thanks

 

[bagu]

Heya mate,

how long tank been up?
water params?
how long lights on for?

baguu

 

[S_J_S]

Is your tank in direct sunlight?? because this could cause more algae

sarah

 

[EllieW]

No its not in direct sunlight, the light is on for 12 hours. Think its best i cut the time down a bit, how long is it best to leave lights on?

 

[DJ ArKaDaRkA]

No its not in direct sunlight, the light is on for 12 hours. Think its best i cut the time down a bit, how long is it best to leave lights on?

about 8 hours i cut mine from 12 because of algae

 

[EllieW]

No its not in direct sunlight, the light is on for 12 hours. Think its best i cut the time down a bit, how long is it best to leave lights on?

about 8 hours i cut mine from 12 because of algae

Ah right thanks i will try that then.

Does all the algae go in the end by itself?

 

[DJ ArKaDaRkA]

i gave the tank a scrub first just the glass i left the rocks also i redirected my spray bar because i had it hitting the back of the glass so there was no flow in the tank

what filter do you have?

 

[EllieW]

i gave the tank a scrub first just the glass i left the rocks also i redirected my spray bar because i had it hitting the back of the glass so there was no flow in the tank

what filter do you have?

Its a built in jewel one (jewel 180), only had the tank for about 3 months and not very impressed with the filter tbh. Sometimes feels like its hardly pumping water out

 

[DJ ArKaDaRkA]

yeah i had a juwel internal ive got a ehiem 2213 now altho on oyur tank you would need something bigger

where have you got the out put pointing?

ideally have it blowing water directly to the other end of the tank slightly breaking the surface then all the water will be flowing around the tank

 

[EllieW]

yeah i had a juwel internal ive got a ehiem 2213 now altho on oyur tank you would need something bigger

where have you got the out put pointing?

ideally have it blowing water directly to the other end of the tank slightly breaking the surface then all the water will be flowing around the tank

Did you cut your filter out then? is it easy enough to do?

Output is pointing out towards the middle of the tank, the flow rate is so low though it barely moves the plants.

 

[DJ ArKaDaRkA]

oh my juwel output was quite powerful

it took a while to get out but i had the tank half full with fish in i just used a sharp carving knife and gently pulled it away from the glass

 

[EllieW]

Oh think i must be doing something wrong then

 

[DJ ArKaDaRkA]

rinse the sponges out in tank water maybe thet are getting crappy try checking the powerhead to make sure its all tight

 

[Craster]

You've increased the light level in the tank by adding in the reflectors. Ideally your plants would adjust to this and increase their growth rate, but if there are reasons they can't do this, that'll be why you're getting the algae. Do you dose fertilisers and CO2 or liquid carbon?

12 hours is generally too long a photoperiod, too. 8-10 is more common.

 

[EllieW]

You've increased the light level in the tank by adding in the reflectors. Ideally your plants would adjust to this and increase their growth rate, but if there are reasons they can't do this, that'll be why you're getting the algae. Do you dose fertilisers and CO2 or liquid carbon?

12 hours is generally too long a photoperiod, too. 8-10 is more common.

Yeah one of my plants has had a major growth spurt since, guess it couldnt cope.

umm i dont put anything like fertilisers or liquid carbon in, am i supposed to then?

Ive taken the reflectors off now and i am going to turn the lights off earlier so hopefully this will help.