Algae Troubling You?

[winno]

I've had a 3ft tropical tank for about 6-7 months now. It's got about 20 small fish in it, a good range of real plants, a canister filter and about 2 months ago I added a 4 bulb T5 lamp (total about 160w)

At the time I added the lamp, I started to get a really fine black algal growth over everything - glass, rocks, plants... It was especially bad on the plants and it was like a fine hairy fluff. Not sure what it's called but apparently it's quite common.

I got recommended a great product for reducing this growth and found that it really works if you don't use ferts for your plants.
I know not everyone likes chems but this stuff is called Algaefix and I used just short of a capfull for 3 days about 3 days apart.
No more algae and it's not affected the fish one bit.
I also don't have to clean the glass everyweek now either which could be a bit of a pain.


Anyway, I just thought it might be usefull should anyone else have a similar problem.

[joz]

4 tubes over a 3" tank is full on,also how many hours a day is the light on??

Maybe by reducing the hours or the amount of tubes may also reduce algae growth,or add plecos, whiptails or bristlenose cats. http://www.thefishtank.com.au/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[winno]

Tried running only two tubes and even varied the time down to less than 10hrs a day with no luck.
This stuff means that I can run the 4 tubes that really show off the greenery and bring out the best in the fish colours and I have no Algae.

[joz]

I&#39;ve just edited my above post to show that I meant 4 tubes http://www.thefishtank.com.au/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blush.gif

But what I&#39;m saying is that it does seem like overkill.
May I suggest running 2 tubes for most of the day,then if you really want to,then turn on the others.
Also you may want to run them on timers.
By chance the tank isn&#39;t to close to a window is it?

I&#39;m just wondering because I run 6x4&#39; tubes on my 8&#39;tank which is 750mm deep.
I get very good plant growth aswell,though metal hallides or compact flouros would suit my system better,oh well this is what I have http://www.thefishtank.com.au/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif http://www.thefishtank.com.au/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif
But I think sooner or later I&#39;ll probably get a hallide compact flouro combo,&#036;&#036; http://www.thefishtank.com.au/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif

[Sloory]

Hi,
Could it also have something to do with the plants not taking in all the available neutriants in the water and the algea is feeding on the excess?

[joz]

Hi,
Could it also have something to do with the plants not taking in all the available neutriants in the water and the algea is feeding on the excess?[/b]


Probably the two most obvious reasons for excessive algae growth is
1.To much light.
2.To much plant food.

Btw is your water clear or is it green with suspended algea in it,or is it that the algae is covering all the surfaces within the tank?

Also sometimes it may occure that you get a thick sheet of very dark green algae(felt like) that covers all the surfaces,this can be peeled of in sheets with your fingers.This type of stuff is usually a bacterial problem that needs separate teatment.Doesn&#39;t respond to normal algae treatments.

[winno]

Water is very clear.
Algae was on surfaces only.

I now only have to clean the glass every 2-3 weeks instead of every week or less.
And yes, feeding a couple of small feeds a day has also helped.

[Sloory]

Good to hear that you&#39;ve got it under control mate.

Enjoy the tank :biggrin: .

[joz]

Water is very clear.
Algae was on surfaces only.

I now only have to clean the glass every 2-3 weeks instead of every week or less.
And yes, feeding a couple of small feeds a day has also helped.[/b]


Hi winno,so what things did you end up doing to reduce the problem??