bassman415

Ok, so ever since I even started my freshwater aquarium, I have always had problems with that blue-green algae that almost looks like hair. A few months ago I started putting in algaecide every weekend, but there still seems to be moderate algae growth. I have a white lava rock-type decoration that just seems to continue to accumulate algae. Any ideas on how to elminate some algae? Thanks alot for any help!

susitna-flower

Hi, Bassman. If it hasn't been said before, welcome to fishlore.

Has your list of fish remained the same, or did you add those guppies? If it is the same, it doesn't look like you are overcrowded, but you may need to up your waterchanges.

If you haven't added any fish, you might consider a bristlenose pleco. They only grow to 4-5" and eat algae. Often "CAE"'s quit eating algae after they get grown, not so with the BN pleco.

Do you test your water? Tests could tell you if the nitrate level is high, and feeding that algae. Usually if you keep nitrates below 20 it helps, do this with waterchanges.

Excess food, or rotting leaves on plants also feeds the algae by releasing phosphates in the water. Cut back on feedings slightly, and make sure to trim and discard any dead leaves.

Light, either direct from a window, or your tank lighting should be limited to no more than 10 hours a day, preferably broken up into two 5 hour periods, with approx 2 hours in between. Timers help here, and it may be necessary to cover your tank if it is near a window to accomplish this.

When the algae dies from starvation, or light deprivation, you have to do water changes to keep IT from decomposing and feeding the next generation of algae. Good Luck

COBettaCouple

We had this come up in one of our tanks. I've been cleaning it off of things each week and that's just the best thing with that algae, unless you do have room in your tank for a BN pleco? The algae-removing solutions can be hard on fish, so I'd not use too much of it.

Butterfly

Is it in slimy sheets? If so you have Cyanobacteria, it's a little different and fish won't eat it. Heres some information on different algaes. Lets positively ID it then figure out how to get rid of it
http://www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=9
Algaecides can sometimes cause problems in the tank. Some fish and plants are sensitive to them(I know the manufacturer say their not ) and can cause them to die. the fewer chemicals you use the better.
Also when the algae is killed this adds rotting matter to your tank, raising Nitrates and providing food for more Algae. It makes a vicious circle.
Usually Algae is caused from excess nutrients(food,poop,dieing plant leaves etc) in the tank so extra water changes will help get rid of it. Hope that helps
Carol

sirdarksol

I'm with Butterfly. If the stuff is bluish-green (a really bright color) and is in sheets, it's nasty stuff, and i will end up poisoning your fish. The stuff is normally anaerobic, and not conducive to aerobic life. It produces really nasty toxins.

I pulled my betta out and dosed the tank with maracyn. The stuff died in about 24 hours.

Blub

lovemyfroggies

I have a gold algae eater that just zooms around and eats all the algae. They are small and grow slow. Ever since I had the gold algae eater I haven't any problems with algae.