Trpimp147

what is the best way to grow algae i have a pretty bright light on my tanks... i have 2 lights on my 75 gal and i cant seem to get algae to grow i have 2 large plecos and i dont want to keep buying food for them. i have let my light on over 24 hours a few times hoping it would help.. didnt do much. i just put a light on my 10 gal tank and that tank is starting to get some on the sides of the tank but not on the fake plants... i donno i hope it builds up alot in the 10 gal due to have baby fish in there and if it gets enought they can eat that. i have plant food i put in the 75 gal tank to help grow algae but isnt helping that much. any one have any ideas

needabiggertank

can you posibly open a window to let sun light also hit the tank

wkinne02

Are these Common Plecos?

IMO, 2 large plecos would make quick work of any algae in a 75g. It's quite possible that you are growing plenty, and that they are just too efficient at disposing of it. The only way you are going to get out of buying them food is to take them back to the LFS.

I had a single, 4" BN Pleco in my 75, and he kept that tank clean to the point at which I had to supplement his diet with algae wafers, zucchini, and lettuce.

Trpimp147

yea.... i have it by a window right now i keep the blinds shut due to its still kinda cold out around here but i do let the window open for a little in the summer its just sun light hits the tank and its to hot for the fish.... the plecos are around 6-7 inch and i do put algae waffers in i havnt put any fresh veggies in the tank for a while.. been to bizy to buy any they love that and i should doo that soon its been like 5 months since i have. i do get algae on fake plants but since the fish are so big its hard for them to hang from the top of the plant thats closest to the light to eat algae i have one light thats like 108 watts and another thats 40 and i put them both on at one time and when my ten gall is emty place that light on the side of tank to shine from one side to the other long ways it helps some but one or 2 days doesnt do much for growing algae. i plan on opening the blinds soon as get gets a little warmer and the sun comes out its been real cloudy for the last week here.

travie

You could grow your own algae on rocks out side of your tank, then put the rocks in your tank when covered with algae.

wolfman21

Do you have any CO2 in your big tank? Additional CO2 impedes algae growth.

Trpimp147

no i dont... i should set that up i thought about it but i didnt know if it would be worth the time. when i get a chance i may set one up.

lilsoccakid

maybe just plant a cucumber /zuchini or other veggie? the seeds are cheap and u could harvest veggies for them the whole summer

Trpimp147

i just put some in this week end they ate it in no time.... its just i dont have time to keep up with watering and such and we have alot a rabbits in our area due to people feeding them