Algae on leaves.

In my 7.5gal I have an Amazon Sword. The tank has had a lot of algae in it, but since I have been cleaning it and having the light on for less hours, there is a lot less algae in there. The problem is, some of the leaves of my Amazon Sword has algae on them. How can I clean it off without damaging the leaves?

Also, When I got it it was quite small. I knew they could grow quite big, but liked the look of them. Now some of the leaves are quite tall. Would it be OK to just trim some of the leaves off the plant? If yes, where is the best place to cut them?

Thanks

Gwenz

 

Trimming would be fine. Just pinch the leaves off right at the base of the plant. I've had similar algae issues with these plants in the past. I just trimmed the leaves off that had algae on them that wouldn't go away. Cleaning them off really doesn't get rid of the algae, it just moves it around.

You could also try adding an oto. They can be great algae-eating fish if you end up with a strong one.

 

Ok thanks.

I would like to get an oto, but can't find them anywhere around where I live. I asked at my lfs and they have never heard of them. :-\ I wish I could get one.

Gwenz

 

Then try and get another algae eater such as a golden algae eater or a pleco. I do have to warn you that plecos do get pretty big and mean. While the golden algae eater gets to be only about seven inches in length if your lucky, it can also be somewhat aggressive when it eats. Hope that helps.
Tom

 

You can try lights on for four hours, off for two, then back on for four to help stop algae problems.