algae problem

[upaquariest]

I am havin a problem with algae in my 55 gallon i recently pulled my pleco out because he is a **** monster and i dont have the time to clean all the time. The water i use has bromine i believe added to it or so my lfs told me they sold me a removal pad and suggested the pleco. I want to use something natural to kill this so chemicals are a last resort what would work good other than a pleco the stock is as follows
1- Large Angel (7 in)
1- Medium Discus
6- corys
1- large bala shark (10in)
1- medium silver dolalr (4in)
1- med african butterfly

the water temp is 82-82 F recieves some natural sunlight but that will be declining as winter comes on in the UP of Michigan. Lighting is a 40w GE aqua rays full spectrum and a 30w general use bulb the bulbs are on for about 8 hrs a day filtration is a aqua clear 110 with 2 bio-media bags ph is around 7.2.

Also how can I get the ph down more tap water is around 7.6-7.8 I treat with wardleys ph 6.5 and have a large piece of drift wood in the tank what other options do I have to get the ph down. RO is out of the question the tank is in a frat house and distilled water gets way to expensive.

 

[Vitaliy]

I would stop using Wardleys pH 6.5 chemical and would instead add some peat to the filtration media. As far as something to eat the fish you can try some Gyrinocheilus aymonieri (commonly known as Chinese Algae Eaters), or a good 'ol magnetic scrub will do. If the algae is floating in the water, green tinted water, you might want to consider a UV sterilizer.

 

[ewurm]

Get some Oto's! They should clear up the algae.

 

[js302]

Homemade CO2 systems are good for bringing pH down "naturally"
I don't know much about this. Maybe someone can elaborate?!

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

Algae: What are your nitrate and phosphate levels, is the tank planted?
pH: Try peat

HarleyK

 

[brettrotchell]

go get a scrubby and clean the tank good do a water change right after you do the scrubby cleaning and buy a small uv sterilizer and a pleco about 2 inches long . he will take care of the rest and uv sterilizer with stop an algee bloom in its traks . everything is done natuarly this way no chemicals .