hey all, bit of an issue but i need to attend to it before i have a severe bloom. i have noticed ever since i have started my planted tank that my plants have like a brown algae on it. Also when i just have my blue lights on there is a a green tint of the water, but it is not like that with my white and blue lights on. i am scheduled to do my water change tomorrow but i need more information on how to tackle this minor issue first. any questions about parameters please ask, any advice would be great. thanks all
algae problem
- Thread starter Vilardz3190
- Start date
Brown algae is usually a sign of weak lighting and/or high nitrates. What lighting do you use and what's the water parameters?
Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
The green tint to the water, could be caused by the blue lights themselves. Try limiting how much light the aquarium receives. 8-10 hours, is sufficient enough. I would do water changes once weekly, to about 50%. Your algae problem should clear itself up. Also, make sure the tank is not exposed to any direct sunlight.
it is not in direct sunlight, i actually carried my 125 into the basement. you are probably right about the time of light exposed, i will use a timer for now on. and what should my water changes be weekly 50%? and do you want water parameters?
it is not in direct sunlight, i actually carried my 125 into the basement. you are probably right about the time of light exposed, i will use a timer for now on. and what should my water changes be weekly 50%? and do you want water parameters?
Interesting as to why you have so much algae. But yes, a timer would be the best thing.
I would simply do a 50% water change for a few weeks just to make sure things clear up. This is because as algae dies, and rots it releases carbon dioxide in the water, dramatically reducing how much available oxygen there is for the fish. Additionally, this decaying, and rotting releases other substances. Make sure you ammonia, and pH don't get to high, and low.
ok thanks i will keep and eye on it for the next several weeks, i had just noticed it yesterday thats why i want to start now
How long has your tank been set up and running? Has it been cycled for very long? Do any heavy cleaning of a long cycled tank recently?
The sounds of what you have are called diatom type alage. Its normally a film of brown to taninsh color. If you take a thumb and forefinger and rub on a leaf does it just simply wipe off? Ditaom based alage is a normal algae in newly planted tanks. As well as tanks that either havent been through the Nitrogen cycle, part way through the cycle or have been fully through it recently. Another way they can happen is if you do a very heavy cleaing of a tank. By that i mean more then just changing some water, Heavy gravel vac and more...
Diatom is pretty harmless. Here is your best help with them. On glass scrub the glass, With substrate LIGHT vacuum. Add some fish that help really eat the stuff up.. otocinclus really like the stuff, as do Nerite Snails.
Do you do any ferts? Whats your Lighting? Add any Excel or Co2 for carbon?
Here is a great page to help with most all algae issues you can find.
http://www.guitarfish.org/algae#diatoms
The sounds of what you have are called diatom type alage. Its normally a film of brown to taninsh color. If you take a thumb and forefinger and rub on a leaf does it just simply wipe off? Ditaom based alage is a normal algae in newly planted tanks. As well as tanks that either havent been through the Nitrogen cycle, part way through the cycle or have been fully through it recently. Another way they can happen is if you do a very heavy cleaing of a tank. By that i mean more then just changing some water, Heavy gravel vac and more...
Diatom is pretty harmless. Here is your best help with them. On glass scrub the glass, With substrate LIGHT vacuum. Add some fish that help really eat the stuff up.. otocinclus really like the stuff, as do Nerite Snails.
Do you do any ferts? Whats your Lighting? Add any Excel or Co2 for carbon?
Here is a great page to help with most all algae issues you can find.
http://www.guitarfish.org/algae#diatoms