Ok so I got terrible brown algae. All four glass panels are usually covered with this stuff, my nitrates are a bit on the high side and my tank is outdoor and recieves direct sunlight. Moving is not really a option. Indoor is not an option either. So I've been thinking, I could just scrub my tank down on a weekly basis to keep on top if the algae growth but thats a last resort. I've been thinking a uv but would like opinions about this. I've been also thinking about algae control additives and also something to compete with the algae like plants but with my current stock of cichlids that might not work out so well. Anyone want to share what they would so in my situation.
Terrible algae
- Thread starter Hot Slime
- Start date
UV LIGHT OR PHOSPHATE FILTER PAD OR MEDIA. TRY PUTTING SOME SCREENING MATTERIAL UP OVER IT TO BLOCK SOME OF THE SUN TOO.YOU CAN FIND WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT AT ANNY GOOD LANDSCAPING SUPPLY STORE.ITS USED TO CREATE SHADE FOR THE PLANTS THAT PERFER LITTLE LIGHT.
high nitrates mean more water changes needed.. or better bio-filtration needed.. the nitrates are feeding the algae. I agree w/ a UV filter. But I'de also look at your filtration set-up. Consider adding some algae/herbevorous species. CA/SA cichlids? or Africans? You can also try some pleco species if desired. Of course the fish addressed after the filtration is. Or you may need to control any breeding in the pond more effectively. I would avoid useing Chemicals unless absolutely neccisary. with high nitrates an algae killer will not only destroy your algae population, but also destroy a major Nitrate sponge. I've seen overstocked ponds compleately bombed when an aestetic issue of algae wasn't "cured" but "quick fixed" Algae may be unsightly but is relatively harmless.
I have only heard terrible things about algicides. Many people lost many fish for any number of reasons.
Have you tested your source water for nitrates? If they are low, you will need to do multiple large water changes to lower the amount of nitrates in your tank. High nitrates are toxic to fish anyway, so keeping them low has a great incentive: happy, healthy, long-lived fish.
Generally, when people have brown algae (not a plant at all, but instead a small creature, diatoms) it is normally due to high nitrates, high silicates, and low light. Since your tank/pond is in high light, then the only other natural solution is to lower your nitrates, and keep them in check with routine water changes.
Have you tested your source water for nitrates? If they are low, you will need to do multiple large water changes to lower the amount of nitrates in your tank. High nitrates are toxic to fish anyway, so keeping them low has a great incentive: happy, healthy, long-lived fish.
Generally, when people have brown algae (not a plant at all, but instead a small creature, diatoms) it is normally due to high nitrates, high silicates, and low light. Since your tank/pond is in high light, then the only other natural solution is to lower your nitrates, and keep them in check with routine water changes.
**** direct sunlight is a bummer on tanks in terms of algae! The people above me seem to know what they're talking about, so follow their advice 
. And maybe get a pleco to see if it eats it? :d
. And maybe get a pleco to see if it eats it? :d
for brown algae, I would choose a natural solution, like a pleco or two ...
questions: what size tank? what kind of cichlids in it?
questions: what size tank? what kind of cichlids in it?
