green H2O in small planted tank

[fish head )'>]

I set up my smallest tank next to my MFK computer. It is a 16g tall. I thought it would be cool to try REAL plants for the first time. You know, baby steps. I would like to introduce plants into my other tanks----if things go well.
I got green water. It is not pea soup, just tinted.
I do not know if it is the plants (and I'm doing something wrong)
If I just do not know how to stock a small tank. (and I'm doing something wrong)
If I am under filtered. (I am confidently over filtered in my other tanks.)
or if I'm just doing something wrong.

I set it up with established sand substrate and bio media from another tank. And ran clear for weeks.
It is running a topfin30 for mechanical and an aquaclear150 full of biomax.
1 gurami (spelled wrong)
4 glass tetras
1 Chinese algae eater
1 golden nugget pleco
4 snails
assorted plants
It gets lot of light, but not more than any other tank in my house, which are fine.
I do not know any water perimeters, since you are going to ask for that, I will get some numbers tomorrow.
I am not a green thumb. I just knew that I can not over water these plants, so I may be safe.
thanks for any input.

 

[BIGgourami]

that window might be the problem.

 

[fish head )'>]

I would think so too, however, this is a tank with even more of the east view windows. I seems like I would have a problem there too. but I do not.

 

[BIGgourami]

if it was a south facing window, i'd say BINGO!
the only other thing is a NO3 spike, but the tanks been running for weeks perfectly clear, so i dont' know whats up wif dat. sorry.

 

[jvision]

Green water is usually a sign of excess ammonia... are you adding fertilizer? If so, stop - you don't have enough plants in there to soak it up. Your plants will be nice and happy just taking up the fish waste.

If you aren't adding ferts, then it's most definitely the window. Too much light will stimulate algal growth

 

[fish head )'>]

Should I not have a tank with plants in this room?
Should I not have as many fish?
More filtration?
What would help?
Is there anything that I can do, or not do, aside from adding a UV filter for this 16g tank? or should I pack it up and move it to a different room? BTW: I am a big fan of light and plan on always keeping my windows open to the views. That is not an option.

 

[DeLgAdO]

Green water is usually a sign of excess ammonia... are you adding fertilizer? If so, stop - you don't have enough plants in there to soak it up. Your plants will be nice and happy just taking up the fish waste.

If you aren't adding ferts, then it's most definitely the window. Too much light will stimulate algal growth

those fish would be dead if it was alot of ammonia, so i would rule that out.

i believe you are going through a phase of the planted tank, once plants establish and have grown the algae should be out competed and dissapear

 

[MrHarris]

If the tank is just set up maybe you should wait a bit? Follow up on water changes, stop the ferts and perhaps lower the light cycle 2 hours. You can also try turning off the lights for about 3 days and put a blanket over the aquarium, I heard this helps or even kills the green water.

 

[jvision]

those fish would be dead if it was alot of ammonia, so i would rule that out.

i believe you are going through a phase of the planted tank, once plants establish and have grown the algae should be out competed and dissapear

I've been keeping planted aquaria for over 10 years; I was just sharing what I've found.


However, what DeLgAdO says about waiting is likely true. Once your plants get established, you'll likely never see noticible ammonia again - just think of them as a booster to your biofilter.
Another way to help would be to get some floating plants. I prefer frogbit or Salvinia, as their leaves are a bit larger, and is easy to remover if you don't want it anymore. Duckweed will do the same thing (provide shade, absorb nutrients), but it's a Royal PITA to get rid of!

 

[windsurfer]

i agree with waiting it out - combined with some larger water changes and reduced photo-period have gotten rid of it for me. it can be quite stubborn sometimes.

what i really wanted to say was that you can treat this as an opportunity and grow some daphnia. they do great on green water and are a very nutritious food for your fish.

when life gives you green water - grow daphnia!

windsurfer.