Single Cell Algae. AHHHHGGGGGG!!!!

[dustabusta]

Hi everyone. I am so frustrated. I Have had the clearest clean water ever the last six months. I been so proud of the physical appearance of my tank and the fish have been thriving and growing like crazy, but all of a sudden last week it turned cloudy green. I think I have that single cell algae. Help. I've never dealt with this before and don't know how to get rid of it. I change my water 50% 2-3 times a week and it doesn't go away. Has any one else been able to get rid of this?

 

[dustabusta]

I didn't realize until after I posted this that Brooklynella had already posted the same problem right before me. I'd still like to know how to get rid of it though.

 

[WyldFya]

Limit your lighting.

 

[dustabusta]

Thanks. I just started to do that a couple days ago. It seems to slow down the growth of the algae, but doesn't stop it. I will continue to do it and see if it will stop eventually.

 

[Noodles]

Test your tap water for nutrients.

edit: PO4, NO3

 

[dustabusta]

O.K. I will. I'll keep you updated.

 

[dustabusta]

how would PO4 and NO4 affect algae?

 

[fishcatch22]

also, does the tank receive any sunlight?

 

[dustabusta]

also, does the tank receive any sunlight?

The tank is in a room with two small windows it will get some direct sunlight but usually I close the blinds especially right now with the green water problem.

 

[Connor0729]

add some live plants. algae can't grow when it has to compete for nutrients with larger, more developed organisms. i would recommend sword plants, as they are very easy to keep alive. good luck.