rlseeker1

I recently had a huge problem with algae; I'm sure do to bad maintenance practice. I've cleaned the tank, but haven't replaced any decorations or plants. Is there a safe way to clean the algae off plastic plants, live plants, rocks and driftwood (purchased both of these at the pet store)? I've been scrubbing....it's not working...

Thanks,

Shawnie

welcome to fishlore!!

is it green algae or brown?

rlseeker1

It's green algae

Shawnie

okies..first off gotta find the source for it...whether it be direct sunlight, over feeding, or some other source...that way you can change it...

alot of ppl have tried a blackout...which is cover the tank completely with a garbage bag and no lights whatso ever for a week....be careful washing everything as you dont want to put the tank into a mini cycle..

what are the fish in the tank and what size is it?

sirdarksol

Welcome to Fishlore!

I don't know of any good way to do so. My decor is covered with algae. I've kind of grown accustomed to it, and haven't worried about it.

rlseeker1

It's a 10 gallon tank. I only have an albino catfish. I had other fish that died from a fungus I think was introduced with the live plant I added. There were no other variables.

Shawnie

maybe off the plant? im no plant expert but others are..what kind of plant?

rlseeker1

Sorry, I don't know the type of plant offhand. I purchased it at Petsmart.

Darlene

I'm really no help, but wanted to say welcome to fishlore and good luck!

Coryd55

If you could post a pic of the plant we can ID it for you. As far as the algae it is good for your cats and they usually graze on it.

Slug

What type of green algae? Hard small spots? Hairy? Just fuzzy?

rlseeker1

I'm not sure how to describe the algae. It's dark green and doesn't scrub off the decor.

rlseeker1

New Problem!! This morning I have small white balls of something growing on the glass in my aquarium. Will just a fungus treatment work? What could it be from? Only one fish, clean tank (I think), after cleaning the tank I did an algae treatment. Haven't introduced anything new in the last week. Ideas?

sirdarksol

Medication should be the last response, in general. It can be harsh on the fish, and can harm the nitrifying bacteria. I would just do some extra water changes and scrub the stuff off the walls.

The dark green stuff is a hard, tenacious algae that can get into little cracks and is really a pain to remove from most decor. This is why I've forced myself to get used to it being there.

rlseeker1

THank you!

Vincent

To get rid of algae on rocks just boil them for a minute that will kill anything.

Fish Addict

I would maybe see if something like a pleco/otto/shrimp could work...