2 Tanks, Algae Takeover!!!!! (send Help)

HI all! So I’ve been struggling with some algae issues for a while now. I’m ok with how most of it looks, but it’s gotten to the point where it’s choking out my live plants. I currently have two tanks, both with their own separate algae issues so I’ll split it up into two sections on this post. I use NilocG ThriveC liquid fert and their root Tabs, I’m trying to use fert 1x per week consistently but still working on that. I would like to stay away from CO2 dosing if possible.

48 gallon bowfront
KZKR Full spectrum led light, 4515 lumen, 31-32W, and 8000K color temp
-on from 8-11 and 1-4 w/ break in middle

This tank has a constant algae supply on the front glass and fake driftwood of green dot algae, brown algae, and some short hair-like algaeand, and the brown algae is choking out my anubias and other plants. The new update is this weird clumpy forest green algae on the bottom of the tank on top of the sand that I can’t suck up w the gravel vac

Plants in this tank: anubias, java fern, crypt
Fish in this tank: Angelfish(1), Swordtails(2), Corydoras(2), Dwarf Gourami(1), 5ish Snails








10 gallon tank (1 snail, would like a betta in the future but trying to get it stable first)
Nicrew full spec light meant for 5 gallon, 1000 lumen, 13W, 9000k color temp
-on from 8-3, no break but I can give it one if needed

Oh boy does this tank have a problem. Blue slime algae coats everything in 2 seconds (including the sand!) and the hair algae is smothering the plants. There’s also some brown algae on the back but I’m not as worried about that. For some reason I feel like my root Tabs are the source of the issue, there are also “air” bubbles coming up from the sand that seem to be the Tabs.

Plants in this tank: chain swords, anubias, java fern, wisteria








Any advice you have, I’ll gladly take it. I’ve ordered some Seachem Excel in hopes that it’ll help, please feel free to share opinions on that as well.

 

What is your WC schedule? I would suggest a total blackout for 3-4 days and manually remove as much algae as possible for starters. Excel may help but it usually needs to be spot dosed with a syringe right on the affected plants. Blackout and manual removal. 50% WC's to clear out the substrate. Just for starters. Others will chime in for more possible approaches. Good luck!!

 

What is your WC schedule? I would suggest a total blackout for 3-4 days and manually remove as much algae as possible for starters. Excel may help but it usually needs to be spot dosed with a syringe right on the affected plants. Blackout and manual removal. 50% WC's to clear out the substrate. Just for starters. Others will chime in for more possible approaches. Good luck!!

I usually do a 30% water change once a week, and I always try to get off as much algae as possible but it always grows back in a week. With the 10 gallon the blue green algae is literally growing on the sand so it’s very hard to get all of it. I think I will try a black out, but currently I’m worried if my nutrient to light ratio is messed up, and that’s why I’m having problems

 

I usually do a 30% water change once a week, and I always try to get off as much algae as possible but it always grows back in a week. With the 10 gallon the blue green algae is literally growing on the sand so it’s very hard to get all of it. I think I will try a black out, but currently I’m worried if my nutrient to light ratio is messed up, and that’s why I’m having problems

Yes try the 3-4 day blackout after u do some manual removal and it should help you along

 

Blue-green algae isn't actually an algae - it's a cyanobacteria and should be treated with erythromycin. I don't think a blackout will get rid of it since it's not really caused by a lighting issue.

 

Blue-green algae isn't actually an algae - it's a cyanobacteria and should be treated with erythromycin. I don't think a blackout will get rid of it since it's not really caused by a lighting issue.

Do you think that’s what I have in the 10 gallon based on looks? It seems that the look can vary, but the general description seems to fit. Is there any algae that looks like Cyanobacteria? I just want to make sure I’m treating it the correct way. Also, what do the weird clumps in the 48g look like to you? They have the same color as the Cyanobacteria but aren’t spreading like it.

 

Update: yeah, it’s definitely Cyanobacteria in the 10 gallon tank. I did a 50% water change and painstakingly took out as many pieces as I could of the bacteria. Hopefully if I just take it out as I see it it’ll eventually be controlled. I’m starting ferts every Monday, should I do it more frequently? I also split up the photo period into two sections with a break in the center for its light. I’m getting in excel tomorrow and will start dosing that as well, if not to kill the algae it’ll help the plants