Drowning under a sea of algae

[aussie_hippie_2]

I've been avoiding making the post/plea of help hoping that my algae would get better, but alas, it's been getting worse. First, my 'stats':
29 US gallons
65W Coralife lighting system
35-45% WC's every week
Sand
Cories, dwarf gourami, black angel, bolivian ram, 4 neons, 2 otos
I stopped using CO2 as I was told it was contributing to the mess, but it clearly was NOT. I have basic Flourish which I don't use, since I have a fairly overstocked tank.
The Algae: I have pretty much every kind, the kind that clings to the rocks, driftwood, and plants is around 8mm high and purple. Horrible stuff. I also have a green slimy substance that grows on the sand. Very gross. And last but not least a greenish/purple, fairly thin, algae that sticks to the glass. My new otos are starting to make a difference on this, but it grows back so fast that they can't keep up.
Please help me! I love this tank, but I can barely look at it right now

Thank you for any help!
Picture time:

 

[smmfish]

That window behind the tank is some of the cause. Even when the blinds are closed, the sunlight can still get in and cause a mess in a tank. I used to have my 55 by a window with the shades drawn and I still had trouble. Since moving it away from the window the algae problem is Gone!!

 

[Brooklynella]

That window behind the tank is some of the cause. Even when the blinds are closed, the sunlight can still get in and cause a mess in a tank. I used to have my 55 by a window with the shades drawn and I still had trouble. Since moving it away from the window the algae problem is Gone!!

+1. I noticed the window shade immediately. You can buy light blocking window blinds that easily install in place of the blinds you have.
Once you rid the rocks/plants of algae, the normal principles of algae control apply; less light, more water changes, etc.

 

[WyldFya]

That window behind the tank is some of the cause. Even when the blinds are closed, the sunlight can still get in and cause a mess in a tank. I used to have my 55 by a window with the shades drawn and I still had trouble. Since moving it away from the window the algae problem is Gone!!

+1. I noticed the window shade immediately. You can buy light blocking window blinds that easily install in place of the blinds you have.
Once you rid the rocks/plants of algae, the normal principles of algae control apply; less light, more water changes, etc.

Sorry guys, but in this case that is not the problem. Excess light will not cause any of types of algae to grow that he has.

Actually, the brown algae that is on the rocks is an indication of a lack or light, or an excess of silicates. What type of sand are you using? That is probably the cause.

The brush algae, which is what covers the plant's leaves, is an indication of a nutrient imbalance. Rather than not dosing your ferts, check your levels. An absence or excess of either phosphates or nitrates will cause this algae to go nuts. Unfortunately once established, this algae is difficult to beat. It often ends in either a copper treatment, or a bleach dip for affected plants (if you aren't sure about this, ask first).

Next, the blue green slime algae that covers the bottom is actually a cyanobacteria, which can be eliminated by simply increasing the co2 levels.

Finally, the green algae that is all over the glass, is always going to be present in a planted tank. The ideal conditions for plants are the same conditions for this algae. You can increase the co2 for this to help slow it down, which will cause the plants to out compete it for nutrients, but that is about it. This algae is best taken care of by a good algae scrubbing.

 

[Havey]

Sorry guys, but in this case that is not the problem. Excess light will not cause any of types of algae to grow that he has.

Actually, the brown algae that is on the rocks is an indication of a lack or light, or an excess of silicates. What type of sand are you using? That is probably the cause.

The brush algae, which is what covers the plant's leaves, is an indication of a nutrient imbalance. Rather than not dosing your ferts, check your levels. An absence or excess of either phosphates or nitrates will cause this algae to go nuts. Unfortunately once established, this algae is difficult to beat. It often ends in either a copper treatment, or a bleach dip for affected plants (if you aren't sure about this, ask first).

Next, the blue green slime algae that covers the bottom is actually a cyanobacteria, which can be eliminated by simply increasing the co2 levels.

Finally, the green algae that is all over the glass, is always going to be present in a planted tank. The ideal conditions for plants are the same conditions for this algae. You can increase the co2 for this to help slow it down, which will cause the plants to out compete it for nutrients, but that is about it. This algae is best taken care of by a good algae scrubbing.

Excellent post.
You didn't list your filtration? What are you using to filter the water?

When you get things in control, I've always had balanced tanks nearwindows for the added light they provided to my plants.
Good luck.

 

[Muske]

Check your phosphates. I had/have the same algae growing on my rocks and plant leafs. It has gotten so bad in the past that it smothered out light to my plants causing them to die. My city water sucks thats why the phosphates are high. I've been doing more water changes and phosphate sponge but there really isn't anything I can do other than manually clean the rocks and plants. Check your water params first, change your bulbs regularly and hope that helps. I'm not a planted tank expert, but the plants in my pond are doing good. Maybe it's because there is a lot more plants using up excessive nutrients. Good luck.