Green water

[Haag13]

http://www.thekrib.com/Fish/Algae-Eaters/ This link describes the differences between the different algae eaters and flying fox very well.

Also, I'd like to clear up this misconception about algae blooms and killing fish. An algae bloom does not kill fish by consuming all the O2 in the tank. As was already stated, algae produces O2 in the day and respires at night but the respiration will not consume enough O2 to kill fish. The danger with algae blooms is their cyclical nature. Massive blooms occur and often are followed by massive die offs when nutrients are depleted or water conditions change. These large die offs are what kill fish because the large load of decomposing dead algae consumes large quantities of O2. My grandfather is an aquaculturist and I've seen these blooms and die offs. 10,000 dead hybrid striped bass is not a pretty sight(or pleasent smell.)
Again, as has already been stated and reiterated, find the problem and fix it. Algaecides are generally a temporary fix and I don't recommend a black out for planted tanks, especially with fish in them. Think about it. Most planted tanks rely heavily on the plants to produce the O2 for the fish. If the plants aren't given any light, photosynthesis does not occur. This is then compounded by a large load of dying and decomposing algae.
Algae can be super frustrating but it sounds like your problem is more aesthetical than anything else, so take your time and fix the problem correctly. Wyldfya will help you pinpoint the cause.

 

[evercl92]

Only while the lights are on, in the dark the fish, the plants and the algae all consume O2 and give off CO2

I am well aware of this. But the amount of O2 absorbed by plants at night is nowhere even close to the level of normal respiration of fish and other animals. In a healthy planted tank though, the plants will give off more than enough O2 to satisfy the fish, for the day and night. They will even over compensate for their own minute usage overnight. If fish are to die during an algae bloom, my bet would be that it's due to the increased level of ammonia (supposedly the main trigger for green water algae to bloom in the first place).

I highly advise against the use of algaecide in planted aquariums. Many plants are very sensitive to these chemicals, and can easily be killed off.

agreed

UV sterilizers are not a recommended piece of hardware for high-tech planted tanks. They can deprive a tank of useful nutrients. Depending on the stocking of this tank, that will be up to the owner.

also agreed, thus why I only run mine when issues come up

First, what is the actual stock list of plants in the tank? Second, how many hours of light, and what type of light do you have on the tank? Third, does this tank get direct sunlight? Fourth, do you use fertilizers at all, and if so, what is your dosing regime? Fifth, what type of CO2 injection are you utilizing (pressurized, reaction, or electronic)? Finally, what are the parameters of the basics, and some others (pH, GH, KH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, and iron)?

I am going to make a few suggestions off the top. First thing, is that the HOB filter is going to gas off much of the CO2 you inject. I would consider moving this filter off the tank, and adding a canister if this is a medium to high-light aquarium. Next, the fact that water changes seem to increase the growth of the algae, I would say it is safe to assume that the problem lies partially in nutrient imbalance. The addition of the new water is replacing several minerals that have been removed by the various types of plants (both higher order, and algaes). Fill me in on the info from above, and I should be able to help you out with a good solution to your problem.

agreed, need the info

 

[Miles]

Imbalance

Micronutrients

Macronutrients

=

Green Water Algae

 

[jimjim911]

i jus had an algea bloom and wut i did was black out the tank for 3 days then i did a 50% WC then the nex day i did a 80% WC everything is clear now