Algae Talk

[apscott]

I'm sure this question has been posted, debated and disected over the ages, but let me pose it again as past answers are never in full agreement. My 75 gallon tank is in direct sunlight on two sides. It houses a variety of community fish and has been operating for 4-5 months. Recently I've experienced two major algae blooms (green pea soup) that are both slow and difficult to rehabilitate. Chemical tests show low Ph, high phosphate and hard water. Adding phosguard, bumping up Ph and a water softner pillow clears the bloom but it takes a while. What preventative measure should I take to avoid this most unattractive problem? Moving the tank is out of the question. APS

 

[cvermeulen]

Well phosphates and nitrates are plant food. Low pH can indicate lots of dissolved CO2, which makes it even worse.

you can take two approaches.

1) get rid of the plant food, so
- use a denitrator or do more water changes or feed less
- increase aeration to remove dissolved CO2
- continue using your phosphate binder.
- reduce light exposure
This aproach is maintenance based, and so is more work, but doesn't really cost you anything (unless you buy a denitrator)

2) kill the algae, so
- use anti-algae chemical additives (maybe not the best thing for your fish)
- use a UV sterilizer

The sterilizer would be my choice, unless you are a nerd like me, and want to undertake setting up a denitrator for the sake of entertainment.

 

[tyl089]

cover your tank on the back and sides, and use lots of plants to help soak up excess
nutrients.

 

[cvermeulen]

right, I missed adding plants to soak up the nutrients.

 

[tyl089]

also helps to decrease light on the tank.

Good luck.

 

[apscott]

thanks for the information....this tank is still very green

 

[Teddude]

I agree with them

 

[tyl089]

takes a while to work. also increase volume when doing water changes, don't know what kind of filter you have, but a really powerful filter will also help with controlling algae, and you can also add fish that will eat algae.