Algae Bloom? New Tank...

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
C

Chris Walrod

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 4, 2006
40
0
0
Yorba Linda, Ca
Returned home today from five days out of town only to find my newly assembled, cycling tank (two weeks) gree with what appears like an algae bloom. The water is filled with green stringy thingies (technical term) and quite murky(sp?).

Water chemistry is:

Ammonia 1.0
Nitrate 40
Nitrite 5.0
Hardness 120
Alk 80
PH 7.2

Water temps after 10-12 hours of lights-on is ~80F, 78F in the morning.

This may sound like a dumb question, but is this normal for a new and cycling tank?

We have 6 Tetras and 6 Platy's that are doing really well. Lively and always eager to eat. Also, we have four plants that seem well, giving-off oxygen bubbles frequently.

What should I do?

I am worried..

Thanks!
 
It could be excess nutrients in the water, w/ not enough bacteria and plants to consume it all. How big is the aquarium?
 
What do your phosphates look like? It's something new tanks see. Follow the advice posted above, it's all good info.
I've got the same thing going on right now (see the newest pic in the Zoo thread). I've been dumping as much water as possible, but don't have the ability to stop it from getting light.
 
Thanks for the advise thus far. The tank is a tall 80 gallon. Today, I have left the lights off.

I have no idea what my phosphates are. Is there a separate water testing kit for Phosphates?

Would a water change be due so soon? (after about two weeks since new)

Thanks!
 
both your nitrite/nitrate levels are a bit on the high side. nirate yoiu want down to zero and nitrite should be around 10ppm or less. in ideal cases. they could eb the source of the algae bloom plus with too long photoperiod. but its a new tank and it happens with new tanks so i would just let it sit there and it should work itsself out. if its only 2 weeks old i wouldnt do a WC on it yet. too new
 
You will always get high nitrite and nitrate levels while the tank is cycling. High quantities of nutrient or nitrate can cause algae bloom. Follow jsfunk78's advices.
 
With that kind of set up for only two weeks, It's not normal to have an algae bloom. For 80 gal with only a few fish, Your water parameters (ammonia, nitrate, nitrite) are way to high.

Do feed sparingly.
Do frequent partial water change because of your high water parameters.

Whats your filtration? It might not be enough.
 
Forgot to include filtration includes one xP3 Rena system.

thanks for all of the advice. One thing I am confused with is whether or not to do a water change (25%?)? Logic would say to leave the water alone since it is still cycling, but then again, I am a aquarium rookie:)
 
Had same problem 2 months ago ,shut lights off,don't feed fish 3 days then 10percent water change ,leave filter alone.week later another water change 10percent again..also fish don't need 12 hours of light , i would cut that down ...good luck
 
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