What To Do About My Algae?

[oneblondebrow]

Hi all,

My 48liter tank is about 6 months old and recently i have been overun buy Algae, It is a sort of blanket type that coats the plastic plants and the gravel, What can i do about it?

Many thanks

 

[flying_jack]

Hi all,

My 48liter tank is about 6 months old and recently i have been overun buy Algae, It is a sort of blanket type that coats the plastic plants and the gravel, What can i do about it?

Many thanks

Hi.

How long is the tank light on for a day? What is the tank stocking atm, is it cycled?

Jack

 

[loraxchick]

check out this link:
http/www.theplantedtank.co.uk/algae.htm
great algae guide!
cheers!

 

[waterdrop]

Agree with above questions plus the members will want to know what type of light it is and the wattage, also an idea of your water circulation situation. WD

 

[drobbyb]

There are several types of algae, and each kind has different causes. In order to treat your tank properly, we need to identify what kind of algae it is. Is it a blue green color that coats everything and comes off in sheets? Is it brown in color?

Try looking at this link and see if you can find a match.

 

[oneblondebrow]

The tank is situated away from direct window light and the internal light is 15Watts, It is on for roughly 12 hours daily and then the night time 15Watt light is switched on for another 3 hours, Do you think the light is on for to long?

the tank is fully cycles and the stock i have in it are, 2 x zebra danio's, 1 x cherry barb, 3 x neon tetra's, 6 x black neon tetra's and 3 x peppered cory's, The only circulation within the water is the directed output nozzle on the internal filter which is directed onto one side of the tank.

Just had a look at your links and it looks like it is Blue Green Algae.

 

[drobbyb]

Ok the best way to treat blue green algae:

A blackout is the best method for this. Clean out as much of the algae as you can and do a 30 to 50% water change. If your nitrates are low then add some potassium nitrate to get levels to 20ppm. Remove CO2 and add an airstone. Turn off lights and cover the whole tank so no light can enter. Leave it for 3 to 4 days. No peeking and no feeding - fish will be fine without food for this period. After 3 to 4 days remove the covers and do a 30 - 50% water change. Remove airstone and start CO2. You will need to dose nitrates to keep them dropping too low again. Make sure your substrate and filter doesn't become too clogged up with mulm and also make sure you have good water circulation around the whole tank.

Source: http/www.theplantedtank.co.uk/algae.htm

 

[oneblondebrow]

Ok the best way to treat blue green algae:

A blackout is the best method for this. Clean out as much of the algae as you can and do a 30 to 50% water change. If your nitrates are low then add some potassium nitrate to get levels to 20ppm. Remove CO2 and add an airstone. Turn off lights and cover the whole tank so no light can enter. Leave it for 3 to 4 days. No peeking and no feeding - fish will be fine without food for this period. After 3 to 4 days remove the covers and do a 30 - 50% water change. Remove airstone and start CO2. You will need to dose nitrates to keep them dropping too low again. Make sure your substrate and filter doesn't become too clogged up with mulm and also make sure you have good water circulation around the whole tank.

Source: http/www.theplantedtank.co.uk/algae.htm

Just read that myself, I have only just done a water change so will now cover it for a few days, I am a bit worried about not feeding the fish for 3 days though, Will they be ok?

 

[loraxchick]

Ok the best way to treat blue green algae:

A blackout is the best method for this. Clean out as much of the algae as you can and do a 30 to 50% water change. If your nitrates are low then add some potassium nitrate to get levels to 20ppm. Remove CO2 and add an airstone. Turn off lights and cover the whole tank so no light can enter. Leave it for 3 to 4 days. No peeking and no feeding - fish will be fine without food for this period. After 3 to 4 days remove the covers and do a 30 - 50% water change. Remove airstone and start CO2. You will need to dose nitrates to keep them dropping too low again. Make sure your substrate and filter doesn't become too clogged up with mulm and also make sure you have good water circulation around the whole tank.

Source: http/www.theplantedtank.co.uk/algae.htm

Just read that myself, I have only just done a water change so will now cover it for a few days, I am a bit worried about not feeding the fish for 3 days though, Will they be ok?

i did a blackout for 5 days (breakout was HORRID). fish (AND plants)100% fine! hungry, but fine
cheers

 

[drobbyb]

Don't worry, your fish can go for 2 weeks without eating and still survive.