algae problem

driftwood · 08-07-2011, 11:04 AM

I have a 55 gl aquarium and I am fighting algae, its everywere. Ive tried algae control drops, didnt work. I have live plants and about 20 small fish. any advice?

HeyManItsMeMatt · 08-07-2011, 11:18 AM

I've never had to battle this personally, but my brother took a few days off from turning his hood light on and the algae abated slightly. His plants suffered, but the algae was eaten back a bit...

jrman83 · 08-07-2011, 11:22 AM

How long are you leaving the lights on for? Keep cutting back on time until you start seeing it go away. 6-8 hours should be more than enough.

driftwood · 08-07-2011, 04:06 PM

Ive cut them way back, some days there not on for an hour or two. I just took all my plants and rocks out and cleaned everything

ifrog · 08-07-2011, 04:33 PM

Couple of issues with algae...
Removing light sources that emit a yellow spectral, ie sunlight, will help.
Lessening the nitrates via more controlled feedings.
Regular water changes.
Be sure to change out any fluorescent bulbs every 6picture months.

Hope this helps.

~Scott | iFrog Director

Kehy · 08-07-2011, 04:38 PM

Adding more plants might help, since they'll help remove some of the excess nutrients that might be in the water. Stem plants are especially good with this. However different types of algae have different causes.

NeonShark666 · 08-07-2011, 06:48 PM

Add some Otos or two small Plecos. Both species love Algae. Some people say that large Plecos aren't good Algae eaters but I haven't found that to be the case. Some Freshwater Sprimp also love Algae but large fish also love Shrimp so be careful adding shrimp to your tank.

giddetm · 08-07-2011, 07:07 PM

Bristlenose pleco an otos

ifrog · 08-07-2011, 11:32 PM

A side note to my earlier post. Be sure to keep an eye on the temp of the tank as well. Higher temperatures lower the O2. Less oxygen increases nitrites and nitrates.

On another note. Be cautious adding bios to control algae. This can sometimes backfire. More animals mean more ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. They do come in handy, but adding one at a time is a good decision. Smaller is better too.

Use the old bufo marinus (cane toad) dilemma. Adding an animal to control any population (be it fauna or flora) must be done with patience and care, so as not to create a new monster.

Hope this helps.

~Scott | iFrog director

ifrog · 08-07-2011, 11:44 PM

It depends upon a number of factors:

Fish load (How many animals per cubic liter/gallon)
Water type (Fresh, brackish, or salt)
Gravel type (artificial, or natural)
Flora load (cichlids tend to eat profusely standard community fish are light feeders)

I know this conversation is dealing with fresh water.

What I have found is that 78ºf down to 74ºf (26ºc - 23ºc) is an optimal temperature for the populous at large. But that is a blanket statement. Any higher than 79º (27ºc) for long periods of time will cause a problem.

Sweetgreenleaf1369 · 08-08-2011, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by driftwood

I have a 55 gl aquarium and I am fighting algae, its everywere. Ive tried algae control drops, didnt work. I have live plants and about 20 small fish. any advice?

To add more fish you could over-stocked your tank if it;s not already

jrman83 · 08-08-2011, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by driftwood

Ive cut them way back, some days there not on for an hour or two. I just took all my plants and rocks out and cleaned everything

I would cut to 6hrs a day and let that ride for a while. Algae affected by the reduced light could take a little while to show effects. I would also manually clean everything the best you could and then just watch to see if it returns at all. Keep control of your nitrate levels and do weekly water changes also. Once the tank has started to balance out, slowly increase the lighting time 1hr at a time. Wait a week to see any difference. If still no algae keep increasing. Once algae starts to show, back down to the last setting you have. Wait at least a week between any time changes to show any effects.

Sweetgreenleaf1369 · 08-08-2011, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrman83

I would cut to 6hrs a day and let that ride for a while. Algae affected by the reduced light could take a little while to show effects. I would also manually clean everything the best you could and then just watch to see if it returns at all. Keep control of your nitrate levels and do weekly water changes also. Once the tank has started to balance out, slowly increase the lighting time 1hr at a time. Wait a week to see any difference. If still no algae keep increasing. Once algae starts to show, back down to the last setting you have. Wait at least a week between any time changes to show any effects.

snail · 08-08-2011, 07:25 AM

Other than the good advice above, what does the algae look like? green, brown, hairy, slimy, green water? What we call algae can also be cyanobacteria or diodes. Most algae eating fish/snails won't eat all types of algae and causes and treatments can vary. Many will go away on their own if you cut back a bit on light and wait it out. What are the algae control drops? not sure I'd trust them.

ifrog · 08-08-2011, 12:06 PM

Agreed. The type of algae does indeed dictate the treatment approach. A higher temperature will cause an expedited breakdown of nutrients and proteins in the water, resulting in what could be coined as a mini cycle. However, as mentioned previously higher temps cause O2 depletion and a whole new array if problems.

Hope this helps.

~Scott | iFrog director

driftwood · 08-08-2011, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snail

Other than the good advice above, what does the algae look like? green, brown, hairy, slimy, green water? What we call algae can also be cyanobacteria or diodes. Most algae eating fish/snails won't eat all types of algae and causes and treatments can vary. Many will go away on their own if you cut back a bit on light and wait it out. What are the algae control drops? not sure I'd trust them.

mostly slimy on plant leaves, not really a lot on the glass tho,

driftwood · 08-08-2011, 08:55 PM

thinks for all the advice, I added 2 small plecos and cleaned all the plants off

snail · 08-09-2011, 08:02 AM

Does it come off easily and what color is it? It could be Cyanobacteria. It is often a blue-green color, slimey, reproduces fast and gives off a swampy smell. It comes off easily when you wipe it with your finger so if you have to scrub at it it's not Cyanobacteria. It is not a true algae, but a bacteria and has the ability to move around somewhat, so if you scrape it off and it falls between the gravel by the next day it will have moved back to a comfortable position. Algae eaters won't usually touch it.
Slime Algae - Causes and Cures for Slime Algae

08-07-2011, 11:04 AM	#1 (permalink)
driftwood driftwood's Photo Gallery Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 68 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 3 Times Said "Thanks" 17 Times Was Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	algae problem I have a 55 gl aquarium and I am fighting algae, its everywere. Ive tried algae control drops, didnt work. I have live plants and about 20 small fish. any advice?

08-07-2011, 11:18 AM	#2 (permalink)
HeyManItsMeMatt HeyManItsMeMatt's Photo Gallery Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 13 Name: Matthew Location: Fort Washington, Maryland Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 5 Times Said "Thanks" 6 Times Was Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: algae problem I've never had to battle this personally, but my brother took a few days off from turning his hood light on and the algae abated slightly. His plants suffered, but the algae was eaten back a bit... __________________ ...i love my RTBS more than my girlfriend.

08-07-2011, 11:22 AM	#3 (permalink)
jrman83 ....has no life.... jrman83's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 9,467 Name: Ben Location: White Plains, MD My location Feedback: 16 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 3,382 Times Said "Thanks" 478 Times Was Thanked 2,431 Times in 2,286 Posts	Re: algae problem How long are you leaving the lights on for? Keep cutting back on time until you start seeing it go away. 6-8 hours should be more than enough.

08-07-2011, 04:06 PM	#4 (permalink)
driftwood driftwood's Photo Gallery Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 68 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 3 Times Said "Thanks" 17 Times Was Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: algae problem Ive cut them way back, some days there not on for an hour or two. I just took all my plants and rocks out and cleaned everything

08-07-2011, 04:33 PM	#5 (permalink)
ifrog iFrog Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 20 Location: Mesa, AZ Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 1 Times Said "Thanks" 1 Times Was Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: algae problem Couple of issues with algae... Removing light sources that emit a yellow spectral, ie sunlight, will help. Lessening the nitrates via more controlled feedings. Regular water changes. Be sure to change out any fluorescent bulbs every 6picture months. Hope this helps. ~Scott \| iFrog Director __________________ ()/....(.)~(.) ()/...(-------) ---ooO-----Ooo--- Scott • iFrog Director -------------------- iFrog • Expand Your Awareness www.ifrog.us

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08-07-2011, 04:38 PM	#6 (permalink)
Kehy master of the mini-tank Kehy's Photo Gallery Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 1,196 Name: Kehy Location: Ellensburg, Washington Feedback: 4 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 374 Times Said "Thanks" 84 Times Was Thanked 334 Times in 324 Posts	Re: algae problem Adding more plants might help, since they'll help remove some of the excess nutrients that might be in the water. Stem plants are especially good with this. However different types of algae have different causes. __________________ Lead me not to temptation...I can make it there myself just fine, thank you

08-07-2011, 06:48 PM	#7 (permalink)
NeonShark666 Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 806 Name: Jim Location: Salem, Oregon Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 78 Times Said "Thanks" 4 Times Was Thanked 247 Times in 237 Posts	Re: algae problem Add some Otos or two small Plecos. Both species love Algae. Some people say that large Plecos aren't good Algae eaters but I haven't found that to be the case. Some Freshwater Sprimp also love Algae but large fish also love Shrimp so be careful adding shrimp to your tank.

08-07-2011, 07:07 PM	#8 (permalink)
giddetm giddetm's Photo Gallery Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 197 Name: Tom Location: North Pekin IL Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 14 Times Said "Thanks" 19 Times Was Thanked 32 Times in 31 Posts	Re: algae problem Bristlenose pleco an otos

08-07-2011, 11:32 PM	#9 (permalink)
ifrog iFrog Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 20 Location: Mesa, AZ Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 1 Times Said "Thanks" 1 Times Was Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: algae problem A side note to my earlier post. Be sure to keep an eye on the temp of the tank as well. Higher temperatures lower the O2. Less oxygen increases nitrites and nitrates. On another note. Be cautious adding bios to control algae. This can sometimes backfire. More animals mean more ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. They do come in handy, but adding one at a time is a good decision. Smaller is better too. Use the old bufo marinus (cane toad) dilemma. Adding an animal to control any population (be it fauna or flora) must be done with patience and care, so as not to create a new monster. Hope this helps. ~Scott \| iFrog director __________________ ()/....(.)~(.) ()/...(-------) ---ooO-----Ooo--- Scott • iFrog Director -------------------- iFrog • Expand Your Awareness www.ifrog.us

08-07-2011, 11:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
ifrog iFrog Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 20 Location: Mesa, AZ Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 1 Times Said "Thanks" 1 Times Was Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: algae problem It depends upon a number of factors: Fish load (How many animals per cubic liter/gallon) Water type (Fresh, brackish, or salt) Gravel type (artificial, or natural) Flora load (cichlids tend to eat profusely standard community fish are light feeders) I know this conversation is dealing with fresh water. What I have found is that 78ºf down to 74ºf (26ºc - 23ºc) is an optimal temperature for the populous at large. But that is a blanket statement. Any higher than 79º (27ºc) for long periods of time will cause a problem. __________________ ()/....(.)~(.) ()/...(-------) ---ooO-----Ooo--- Scott • iFrog Director -------------------- iFrog • Expand Your Awareness www.ifrog.us

08-08-2011, 07:25 AM	#14 (permalink)
snail snail's Photo Gallery Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 2,639 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 2,935 Times Said "Thanks" 361 Times Was Thanked 634 Times in 591 Posts	Re: algae problem Other than the good advice above, what does the algae look like? green, brown, hairy, slimy, green water? What we call algae can also be cyanobacteria or diodes. Most algae eating fish/snails won't eat all types of algae and causes and treatments can vary. Many will go away on their own if you cut back a bit on light and wait it out. What are the algae control drops? not sure I'd trust them.

08-08-2011, 12:06 PM	#15 (permalink)
ifrog iFrog Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 20 Location: Mesa, AZ Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 1 Times Said "Thanks" 1 Times Was Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: algae problem Agreed. The type of algae does indeed dictate the treatment approach. A higher temperature will cause an expedited breakdown of nutrients and proteins in the water, resulting in what could be coined as a mini cycle. However, as mentioned previously higher temps cause O2 depletion and a whole new array if problems. Hope this helps. ~Scott \| iFrog director __________________ ()/....(.)~(.) ()/...(-------) ---ooO-----Ooo--- Scott • iFrog Director -------------------- iFrog • Expand Your Awareness www.ifrog.us

08-08-2011, 08:55 PM	#17 (permalink)
driftwood driftwood's Photo Gallery Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 68 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 3 Times Said "Thanks" 17 Times Was Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: algae problem thinks for all the advice, I added 2 small plecos and cleaned all the plants off

08-09-2011, 08:02 AM	#18 (permalink)
snail snail's Photo Gallery Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 2,639 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 2,935 Times Said "Thanks" 361 Times Was Thanked 634 Times in 591 Posts	Re: algae problem Does it come off easily and what color is it? It could be Cyanobacteria. It is often a blue-green color, slimey, reproduces fast and gives off a swampy smell. It comes off easily when you wipe it with your finger so if you have to scrub at it it's not Cyanobacteria. It is not a true algae, but a bacteria and has the ability to move around somewhat, so if you scrape it off and it falls between the gravel by the next day it will have moved back to a comfortable position. Algae eaters won't usually touch it. Slime Algae - Causes and Cures for Slime Algae

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