Help! I could use some answers on algae issues...

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
One thing i don't think any one mentioned is how are you phosphate levels??? since i remember reading that if you have high levels of phosphate in your water, that could also cause algae to grow faster than normal...

At least in my personal experience thats what seemed to be the case... although i only have my lights on for max 8-9 hours a day...
 
I'll have to recheck the water levels. The phosphate was a little bit high 2 months ago, that may have jumped since. I do still have algae, but only about 1/4 of the algae I was getting with the light being on 15 hours a day. And now that I'll be doing 50% water changes ever 2 weeks, I know the results will be great. A floating plant is a great idea too, thanks Ollie and Fat Homer.
 
I have my lights on 9a to midnight algae is only noticeable on the rocks and drift wood, because I never clean them. I think most of my luck with algae is my lights I have 2 15watt bulbs for my tank, just like yours. However My lights are about 18" above the tank so less light actually gets in the tank, I also do weekly 50% wc.

I personally don't mind the algae on the rocks and drift wood I think it adds to the natural look.
 
I have one 4' bulb, but it is 40watt. :\ I'll think about raising it or replacing it.

I don't mind a little of the green stuff on the rocks either. Tomorrow I'm doing a total tank scrubdown and 50% water change and filter changes. I think after that's done, I'll be much happier with the look of the tank for the maintenance I have to put in.
 
Plants will really help keep the algee out, they eat the same food. I also use malaysian snails. They eat all that white fur algee off the driftwood and what ever else in the water. I decided to use snails instead of a pleco. Going to go today and pick up another 10 after work.
 
Now that you have looked at your lighting, what about your water parameters ? If you have high phosphates you will have a lot of algae. That stuff is like steroids for algae.

I would start testing for phosphates if you are not already doing so. Try to keep the levels at 1 ppm. It can sometimes help to keep your nitrate levels down around 10 ppm as well.

Also, be carful not to overfeed. That too can sometimes lead to higher phosphate levels in your water.
 
I just got some Nitraban. But, I like a jack@** forgot to bring the tank water to get it tested. I'm unemployed at the moment, so I cannot afford a test kit. I usually just bring the water to them.

I'm just about to do a major clean down of the tank and I look to take a few things out making the set up more basic looking and easier to clean.

I can see for now tho, the algae growth is substantially less. I'll post pics after it's rearranged and 100% clean. Then hopefully I can post again later and it will look the same.

Here's a shot of my JD this morning before the sun was up and tank lights on. I wouldn't have gotten this clear a shot 3 weeks ago. I was scrubbing the glass every 4-5 days. I haven't had to rub down the glass since I cut the light back. :) The algae on the driftwood is from a few weeks ago and everything is gonna be washed down today. Woot!

View attachment 506725
 
I just got done with the cleaning and water change, and I removed the clay pot and one piece of stone to make the tank more open and managable. I had to wedge the driftwood in so it doesn't float up, but I'll be able to rearrange the wood after it soaks for a bit. I'm not happy with the plant (live), but that just needs food. Iron/magnesium I think? If the algae stays under control, I'll likely just put one plastic plant in and take out the real plant. I'm much happier with it the way it is now. I'm thinking about raising the light a few inches above the tank too. Much thanks for everyone's input. It's great to sit back and look at again.

Anyways, here's how it looks as of now-

tank cleared-cleaned 7-5-10 001.jpg
 
It's been working well. One week later and I can't see any algae growing anywhere. Great results as the tank would have normally had a lot more algae showing by now.
 
take a look at building and algee turff scrubber, just search the thread under algee I can tell you it really works, it cheap and easy to make too
 
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