alge bloom?
- Thread starter yzf450motoxrider
- Start date
Nutrient imbalance, too much light, bad tank sanitation practices.
What type of bloom are we talking? Red, green, brown?
What type of bloom are we talking? Red, green, brown?
if youre not talking about a planted tank, then usually too much light (whether it be leaving the light on for too long or being close to a window) can be the cause of algae blooms.
What're your water parameters? I'm thinking your high on nitrates combo'ed with too much light.
Best way to handle it regardless is to blackout the tank. Toss a tarp or something that won't let light through for a week or so. Then do a large water change afterwards.
Best way to handle it regardless is to blackout the tank. Toss a tarp or something that won't let light through for a week or so. Then do a large water change afterwards.
Correct, but do a huge water change first. If you blackout the tank first, you're not removing the nutrients the algae are removing. You could also find your fish dead from a huge CO2 spike after the algae dies in the already poor water conditions. By doing a considerable water change first and then cutting the lights you're removing both sources. Continue to do water changes on a regular basis, and test your water frequently. UV sterilizers are not needed (for algae at least) as long as your water parameters are kept within reason. Be careful what you add to the tank as well, as products with high phosporous, dissolved nitrate (plant fertilizers), or iron levels can cause algae blooms as well.
Actually, you do the large water change afterwards to remove the nitrate rich dead algae. However, you're right, you should probably do one both before and after.Aquafreak;3107231; said:
I used to notice algea bloom when I used to do water changes, 25%, every month, I have beeen trouble with the high nitrates so now I do 50% water changes every week. Nitrates are now at an acceptable level, between 20-40ppm, and I have not had algea bloom since.
Phosphates are also a problem usually from overfeeding with poor quality food. But getting a handle on your tank maintenance will also correct this. 25% water change monthly is not enough, at least 30 to 50% weekly depending on bio load and cut back on the lighting. Use only when viewing. A UV sterilizer will kill the bloom but not correct the cause.