BrendanIgnatius

Hi
I've had my 30 gallon fish tank kit going on 5 years now. About 6 months ago I noticed I had a large amount of green algae growing on my gravel. I was wondering how I would go about fixing this problem as i think it has a negative affect on my aquarium's appearance. The nitrate reading is around 200 however I perform bimonthly water changes. The nitrite reading is at 0 and the total hardness is around 150.

Chrisson

When you mean bimonthly do you mean twice a month or once every 2 months? I hope twice a month. Anyways I suggest doing more frequent water changes so your nitrate goes down. 200 is very high and will promote lots of algae growth. Also how bright is your gravel? Bright coloured gravel is liked by algae.

pepetj

Actually I find small pockets of green algae a blessing in my tanks. Most fish will snack out of it and it looks more natural to me.

As for your nitrate readings: 200ppm are most likely going to impact your fish health long term.

Pepe
Santo Domingo

BrendanIgnatius

I do my cleanings twice a month (bimonthly). As for the algae, it takes up 3/4 of the gravel not just small pockets. Would plants help this by giving the algae competition?

prairielilly

I'd been told nitrates are toxic to fish at levels over 40 PPM ...mine never get above 10. I'd suggest changing more water and more frequently, definitely.

BrendanIgnatius

The type of the gravel is a tan, river mix.