jen28tink

Hello all, I am new to the site and the world of fish. I have a 50g tank and I have been having a problem with algae depositing on the tops of the fake plants, and do not know how to get rid of it. I thought of adding algae drops or fizzies, but they can kill your real plants, and may rid the tank of all the algae and kill off my fish that feed on it. So I am looking for suggestions beside what I have been doing which is removing them and cleaning them –then placing them back in the tank. It seems to upset everyone, and I don’t like moving things in the tank that much. I would also like to add more real plants since I only have a few, but ones that are easy to care for since I am a beginner with plants. I have already killed one plant. Thanks for your help
Jen

Gargoyle

Depends on the kind of lighting you have and how long you leave the lights on. Algae on fake plants is actually no biggie. I get it on real plants from time to time.

Let me know and I'll try to help.. But if the water is clear I wouldn't worry about it to much.

Barbrella

How many fish do you currently have?

If space permits, get a few bristlenose plecos (Ancistrus). They'll clean up all the algae for you without harming real plants.

Gargoyle

pitbull plecos will do the same in my experience. They also stay small which for me is a plus.

jen28tink

I currently have 23 fish, including a peppered cory cat I just added a day ago. I do have one pleco already however he is a larger speicies, I got him so that once he is a little larger I can transfer him to my pond. So far he has not destroyed any of my live plants. I believe my light is 110watts. My water is clear. I like the pics I have seen of both pitbull and bristlenose plecos, but can I add both, do I still have room. I am always scared of over stocking my tank. I already feel like I have too many different types of fish. But I am trying to find a home for my glo danios (which were a gift) as they are nipping the fins of my platys.

Barbrella

Just read your info. I"d say your tank is pretty well stocked, even without your pleco.

The livebearers are hard on the bioload.

Gargoyle

Clear water and a little algae on the plants in my opinion is no need for concern. You can take the plant out and clean them but as you have experienced the algae just grows back.

The best way to combat algae is with a bunch of fast growing plants to suck up the nutrients before the algae can. Along with limiting the lighting to as little as none to 4 hours or so.

Butterfly

yep spot on! I would like to add that excess nutrients(fish poo and fish food) will also cause algae to grow and come back. With that many fish you may need to do more water changes to remove those nutrients the algae is feeding on.
carol

jen28tink

Thanks for the help. I have added some more live plants and a friend has just got a new 55 gal tank. So I have talked her into using my glo danios to cycle her new tank since her current tank is an angel tank. I do cycle my tank frequently, hoping the live plants I added will help with the nitrates since I have learned my platys are high pooh makers.. Thanks a bunch to everyone