Algae Question

[AtomBat]

I got a 55gal planted tank, about 25-30 plants one being a huge amazon sword. I got a algae cleaning team of 4 clown loaches and 8 autocats, and a few cherry shirmp( if they survived). All seem to be working quite diligently till a couple of days ago. Algae started growing everywhere, so I didn't feed my fish for a couple days. My autocats went back to work cleaning the glass and some eat the algae off my plants, but most if not all of my plants have a coating of algae that is taking away from its greenery. The autocats are getting pretty fat and some are getting about an inch long.

My question is what to do about the algae on my plants, should I get more autocats( i thought 8 was enough) or should I try and get another helper to take care of the plants?

I will try to post some pictures if possible when my camera charges.

 

[yikesjason]

Getting more fish to eat the algae is a good way to get rid of the algae. But if you don't figure out what is out of balance and causing the algae in the first place the problem will keep coming up.

Do some research on algae control. The basic answer you will get is less light, more co2, more circulation, and cleaner water through water changes and filter. Those are the simple grade school answers. You can get good results just playing around with those aspects of the aquarium even though there are a lot more advanced topics and methods for dealing with algae to get that crystal clear water and perfect plants.

 

[Adhlc]

Firstly, Clown Loaches do not eat algae, they're scavengers. And if by autocats you mean Otocinclus, then I would at least double the amount you have now. Eight just isn't enough for a fully planted 55. If they're available to you, try to find some true Siamese Algae eaters and possibly some Nerites snails, they will work wonders against a fairly wide range of algae.

I'd also try to find out why algae is forming so rapidly. How old are your bulbs and how long are they on? How often are you doing water changes and are you using water right from the tap? What are your water parameters like?

 

[AtomBat]

Thanks for the info

the bulbs are T5 and they are only about 8 weeks old. I leave them on about 8 hours a day usually all at once. I do a 50% water change about every 9 days. Yes I do mean Otocinclus.

I don't know what kind of algae I have but I only seem to have it on my plants especially my amazon swords