So for the past year or so, my 72 gal tank has been developing a crazy amount of algae. Not only is it on the glass, but there's a thick layer (almost like a sheet) that develops over the substrate as well.
Tank inhabitants at the moment include 1 GT, 3 V. synspillum, 2 V. argentea, and 2 BN Plecos. This is simply a growout tank for these and all fish are 3" and smaller (with exception of the Plecos that are ~4"). Filtration is an Eheim 2217, AC 110 and AC 70. Also have an internal UV sterilizer working on the tank. Temp is 80*-82*, ammonia and nitrites 0 and nitrates between 5-10 ppm. I do at least one weekly water change of 50% if not a second one each week, as well, and change/clean filter media regularly. The plecos do a good job on the glass (and what they miss I get with the scraper) but the substrate algae is impossible.
I've tried everything guys...I've left my lights on for shorter periods each day, I vacuum the gravel with almost every WC, I make sure all pellets are eaten, I even tried Flourish (read on certain forums that using this in the right dosages magically fights algae growth).
I see these beautiful show tanks on here with absolutely NO algae and it just makes me wonder what I'm doing wrong. On a side note, I've had both sand and gravel in this tank, and it's happened with both (I assume this means nothing but figured I'd throw it in there).
Anyway, if anybody has any ideas on what I may be doing wrong or how to fix this, your help would be greatly appreciated.
Tank inhabitants at the moment include 1 GT, 3 V. synspillum, 2 V. argentea, and 2 BN Plecos. This is simply a growout tank for these and all fish are 3" and smaller (with exception of the Plecos that are ~4"). Filtration is an Eheim 2217, AC 110 and AC 70. Also have an internal UV sterilizer working on the tank. Temp is 80*-82*, ammonia and nitrites 0 and nitrates between 5-10 ppm. I do at least one weekly water change of 50% if not a second one each week, as well, and change/clean filter media regularly. The plecos do a good job on the glass (and what they miss I get with the scraper) but the substrate algae is impossible.
I've tried everything guys...I've left my lights on for shorter periods each day, I vacuum the gravel with almost every WC, I make sure all pellets are eaten, I even tried Flourish (read on certain forums that using this in the right dosages magically fights algae growth).
I see these beautiful show tanks on here with absolutely NO algae and it just makes me wonder what I'm doing wrong. On a side note, I've had both sand and gravel in this tank, and it's happened with both (I assume this means nothing but figured I'd throw it in there).
Anyway, if anybody has any ideas on what I may be doing wrong or how to fix this, your help would be greatly appreciated.
