Surface Algae Everywhere!

[johnnymax]

I know this may be a noob question, but I have been keeping fish for 44 years and I am about to give up trying!
I am now moving and I will be cleaning and setting up tanks anew.

My Question is:
How can I try to get rid of Surface algae?
I look at everyone's tanks here and they are beautiful.
Mine after just 2 months will have a brown algae on everything.
I want my gravel to be white! That is why I bought white gravel and not brown.
I will consider and may implement any and all suggestions, even if I have to spend money!

 

[fishhead0103666]

Your algae isn’t just appearing for no reason, there is a reason for it coming so the first thing you do is find out why it is appearing. Do you overfeed? What’s the lighting schedule?

 

[johnnymax]

Your algae isn’t just appearing for no reason, there is a reason for it coming so the first thing you do is find out why it is appearing. Do you overfeed? What’s the lighting schedule?

Not that I over feed, because they eat like they are in a frenzy, but they are messy and miss some as they tear it up.
Some food (not much) makes it to the bottom, but they are always cleaning the bottom, or at least appear to be.
I have a 4' LED shop light from Walmart.
It is bright, but not too bright. On at 6 am off at 9 pm

Nitrite 0 ppm
Nitrate 0 ppm
Ammonia at 0.25 ppm
pH 7

 

[Jexnell]

The combo of light hours and the leavins from the fish are fueling the algea growth. I used to have the same issues then I drastically changed the amount and hours of light and BAM! no more algea.

 

[kno4te]

Reduce ur feedings and light time. Add some seachem phosguard to ur filtration to reduce phos/silicates.

 

[johnnymax]

The combo of light hours and the leavins from the fish are fueling the algea growth. I used to have the same issues then I drastically changed the amount and hours of light and BAM! no more algea.

leavins?

 

[johnnymax]

Keep them coming. I am going to do them all!

 

[Jexnell]

leavins?

You know all the bits of food that flies out of fishes mouth and gills while they eat.

 

[duanes]

How many hours the light on?
What is your water change schedule?
Nitrates in ppm before a water change?

 

[tlindsey]

leavins?

I'm getting the waste from the fish.