filtration and algae
- Thread starter large_cichlids
- Start date
Too bad, eh!!
If you have algae problems, just reduce the lighting and change the water weekly while vacuuming the gravel!!
If you have algae problems, just reduce the lighting and change the water weekly while vacuuming the gravel!!
One way to really cut down algae growth is to seperate your lighting schedule into 2-3 sets. such as 6 hours on, 2 hours off, 6 hours on, 10 hours off; or 4 hours on, 2 off, 4 on, 2 off, 4 on, 8 off.
The fish don't seem to mind it at all, I run LED moonlights 24/7 also. The algae growth reduces down to less than 50%, although you are still offering the same amount of light each day. This is often done for planted aquariums.
large_cichlids;554068; said:
What kind of algae?
Do you know where you got it from?
String algae and free floating algae - Yes, canister or sump filter for string algae and a diatom filter for free floating algae...followed by an over-sized UV light.
Algae on glass has to be scraped off first so the filter can pick it up, then what gets thru the filter will be killed by the UV light.
You won't get rid of all algae but it will definitely be tolerable, then you can try to maintain it by limiting light, reduced feeding, addition of plants etc etc etc.
Dr Joe
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Dr Joe;554423; said:
how about scrape that **** then do a water change, that way it is physically removed from the system and not just removed and moved somewhere else.
As Dr Joe said is suspended Algae I.e. green water or Algae growth over the tank?
The UV lamp does not prevent algae forming. It works by killing the algae faster than they can make the water go green. The algae will still tend to form so long as the conditions suit them. However if the wattage of the UV clarifier is too low then the water will remain green for the reason that the algae are forming more quickly than they can be killed. If any doubt when choosing an UV clarifier go for a larger size. You cannot overdose with UV!
I have a Uv on my out side pond my tropical pond and my 6 ft tank I have run them for years I think they are a good idea if a tank is in direct sunlight i.e. next to a window they are a must.
Also a UV will certainly kill bacteria and viruses but not as designed into a pond UV Clarifier. Aquarium units are often designed to control bacteria they are then called UV Sterilises, and not UV Clarifiers. There is a big difference.
The CURE for any algae problem is as always; nutrient control. This can be done with regular water changes and limiting light to only what the plants need. Replace 25% of the water every week to remove the abundant fertilizer for the algae. This all depends on tank size and stocking.
The UV lamp does not prevent algae forming. It works by killing the algae faster than they can make the water go green. The algae will still tend to form so long as the conditions suit them. However if the wattage of the UV clarifier is too low then the water will remain green for the reason that the algae are forming more quickly than they can be killed. If any doubt when choosing an UV clarifier go for a larger size. You cannot overdose with UV!
I have a Uv on my out side pond my tropical pond and my 6 ft tank I have run them for years I think they are a good idea if a tank is in direct sunlight i.e. next to a window they are a must.
Also a UV will certainly kill bacteria and viruses but not as designed into a pond UV Clarifier. Aquarium units are often designed to control bacteria they are then called UV Sterilises, and not UV Clarifiers. There is a big difference.
The CURE for any algae problem is as always; nutrient control. This can be done with regular water changes and limiting light to only what the plants need. Replace 25% of the water every week to remove the abundant fertilizer for the algae. This all depends on tank size and stocking.