mikeyboy76

After cycling my tank i'm now four weeks on and after completeing many water changes it's now time for the filter to be cleaned! I think!! But i've noticed that I have what I think is algae growing on my tank and the ornaments and plastic plants. I'm water changing and cleaning the tank today and wanted some suggestions as I'm doing it. Is it simply because I've had the lghts on for too long or something else? My water readings are fine so just want some advice really, an algae eater or not?

Thanks in advance,

Mike.

Shawnie

Hi mike...DONT clean your filter...its fine...cleaning it will put you back to a cycle...those things can go months without being cleaned..when you do your routine water changes, you can swish the media in old tank water but thats about it...after 4 weeks, it still shouldnt need that....the algae you say you have is it brown?

mikeyboy76

Yeah that's right the algae is brown. Cleaned everything with water from the tank and swished the filter media in the tank water too that's all I've done as well as the water change.

Shawnie

the brown is called diatoms and its very natural for a new tank...it bothers you seeing it more than it does the fish...its the "new tank algae" ....the fish love it! depending on what kinds you have...I know my lil corys eat it like its steak!! LOL and just remember, cleaning so soon might throw you into a mini cycle so just keep an eye on it...

mikeyboy76

Ooops!! I'm scared now!! I cleaned my plastic plants and rockery and by cleaning I mean just washing them over with tank water!! Will this be ok? It was bothering me as it was all over the plants and the tank walls! What should I do if it comes back? Is it a problem and would it go eventually if I left it?

So many questions....I'm sorry!

Mike.

Shawnie

Dont be sorry its ok!! thats what we are here for

just watch your ammonia and nitrites and if you get some, you just do as you did when cycleing, daily water changes until they are 0...do you have any more stocking room in the tank? cause lil cory's eat that stuff right up....

mikeyboy76

I think so. I think my tank is around 76gallons(uk). I have 6 zebra danios and 6 white clouds and that's all at the moemnt. Just letting my tank stablize and the fish evry chance to survive. I did a water test this morning before cleaning and ammonia was 0, nitrites 0, nitrates 20 so i think the tank is doing well. Cory's eh I'llhave to do some research, will they go with danios and white clouds?

Thanks, Mike

Awsome22

Im sorry what is a UK gallon compared to an American Gallon? And i think i've heard they will go together but i dont know