jen82

I currently have this green algae growing on the glass of one of my tanks. Im finding it very hard to remove. Ive tried searching the forum and not really found what im looking for. Can anyone tell me any good ways to remove it and what may cause it. Thanks. Jen

Lucy

Whenever I've gotten algae I've decreased the amount of time the light is on, however with a planted tank that may not be possible.
Maybe this sight will help you:
http://plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=9

Beeker

It sounds like it is green spot algae. My snails make short work of it. I heard otos are also good at taking care of it. Of course, if you cannot add to your tank, I have found the only way to get rid of it would be to scrape it off with a razor blade.
Green spot algae is usually caused buy lighting. Is your tank in direct sunlight?

jen82

Thanks Lucy for the link. I can now say it is green spot algae. Tank is not in direct sunlight. Its a 40gal and only has 1 Oto. The lights are on from 8am until about 9pm. This was advised by worker at pets at home. My other tanks where lights are on less do not have this problem. There is no live plants. Any more advice greatly recieved. Jen

pinkfloydpuffer

That's a little long even for a planted tank. You could cut down to 6 hours with no problems, that will probably help alot.

jen82

thanks pink will try that. I have had so much conflicting advice on how long to leave lights on for. Will it then disappear on its own. Or is there a way to get rid of it. I dont really wanna use chemicals. Jen

pinkfloydpuffer

I would give that a try for a few weeks. No need to go to drastic measures until you are sure they're necessary.

rrrswayn

Hey guys, My tank has just had a small outbreak of brown algae in the last few days. i dont have a very strong light at the moment which is meant to be the problem, but its going to be a few weeks before i can get a hold of a strong uv. Just wondering if anyone knows if this algae is harmful to the fish in my tank or will i be ok to leave it for a little while until i get my uv?? thanks to all for any help!!

Steve113

eeeswayn, please don't hijack threads, this is clearly a question posted by Jen about her spot algae, you'll have better, quicker responses if you make a new thread.

Jen, I have spot algae (green) occasionally, it happens on the side of my glass closest to the window.

The tank lighting doesn't seem to cause too much trouble in this respect.

Is your green spot algae all over the glass, or limited to one area (like mine) ?

If you have glass tank then a scraping tool ( like a blade) is often said to be the best way to remove it.

I scrape mine away with my fingernail or scrub it with an aquarim safe cloth when the water level is down during water change.

If you have an acrylic tank as opposed to glass, then be careful not to scratch the tank with whatever tool you decide to use.

I know that pets at home have a tool for this on sale - it looks like something you might wash dishes with - like a pan scourer on a stick.

Try that, Worked for me too and saves your arm getting wet!

jen82

with a combination of scrubbing, decreasing the time lights are on and buying 3 more otos i have managed to control the problem. Before the 1 oto wouldnt touch this algae now they are all over the bits that are left of it. How wierd. Thanks for advice everyone.

Steve113

glad we could help.

ER9

you can just scrape it with a razor blade if its a glass aquarium or with a piece of plexiglass if its an acrylic aquarium. comes off easy that way. trying to scrub it with a cleaning pad takes forever.

Steve113

Seems she's ok now.

JESS01

i heard an old credit card works