Algae won't go away!

[airdog44]

I have had this 10 gal planted tank set up for about 9 months and have always had a little bit of algae. But it has recently taken over. My spider wood was completely covered in hair algae(which I scrubbed off) and all my plants are too. Even the surface of my substrate is getting algae!!! I don't know how to get rid of it because I know scraping it away will only work for a few days then it'll be back. So what's the cause of this? I read an article that said dead plant matter is the main cause, so I trimmed my plants and cut everything dead off. My levels are listed below. Will adding floaters help keep it at bay? The outbreak has stunted my plants from growing(they haven't died they just haven't grown an inch because the algae are sucking up all the nutrients.) I guess my main question is: How do I get my tank in balance?

One last thing: There is a mysterious brown substance on the sand near the tank walls, it doesn't look like algae, and it looks disgusting. It's only near where plants are.

Thanks for all the help! Sorry for the load of questions

Ammonia: 0.25(tap water has some in it, will never be 0)
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 30-40 ppm(I think this might be the cause for the algae, it's really high so I'll do a 50% wc tmrw)
pH: 7.2
Temp: 75-80 F

 

[Mudminnow]

Ammonia is a huge trigger for several types of algae--including hair algae. Even .25 ppm is more than enough to grow it. If your tap has ammonia, large water changes may be a luxury you can't afford. You may need to do less frequent/smaller water changes. If you stock fewer fishes and more plants, this can be done.

You're right that dead plant matter can trigger hair algae. But, since you've cleared that out, you don't need to worry about it.

I don't think the 30-40 ppm nitrate is your biggest problem. Not that it isn't a potential factor (I think it's best to keep nitrate below 20 ppm), but your levels aren't horrible.

Temperature can make a difference. You said your tank is between 75-80°. If you keep it closer to 75 than 80, the algae will be easier to control.

Floating plants could keep it at bay if your problems come from too much light or nutrients. But, if you control your algae this way, your floating plants may dominate your tank. If you're ok with that, then go for it.

You said the outbreak has stunted your plants from growing. I think the reverse is much more likely. That is, your plants are stunted, because they are not getting everything they need. And, the algae is taking advantage of their weakness.

So, how to get your tank in balance? First, find a way to get your ammonia to 0. Then, focus on giving your plants every advantage with things like good lighting, soil, and complete fertilization. Make sure their environment is stable and to their liking. For example, don't use finicky soft water plants if your KH is super high. Only add as much light as your plants need. And, if it doesn't add too much bioload, try getting something like amano shrimps to eat the algae.

 

[airdog44]

Thank you so much for the response! I only have 6 neon tetras and I recently got cherry shrimp(it's 10 gallons). It's definitely understocked. Right now I'm changing about 10-20% weekly, but only once a week. Should I do 2 10% water changes a week to get the ammonia to zero? Or more like 3? I'll do some more research on my plants to make sure they have everything. Also, my nitrate is now at 80 ppm...hopefully the water changes this week will help lower it. Also, I will work on getting the temp down in the low 75's. Again thanks so much for the response!

 

[Mudminnow]

I only have 6 neon tetras and I recently got cherry shrimp(it's 10 gallons). It's definitely understocked. Right now I'm changing about 10-20% weekly, but only once a week. Should I do 2 10% water changes a week to get the ammonia to zero? Or more like 3?

Water changes will only solve your issue if your source water is good. You said your tap had ammonia in it, and I would suspect nitrate too considering your levels and your light stocking. Therefore, more water changes might only make things worse. Is it possible to get water from another source?

I'll do some more research on my plants to make sure they have everything.

In addition to this site, check out The 2Hr Aquarist site...it's full of good planted tank info.

Also, my nitrate is now at 80 ppm...hopefully the water changes this week will help lower it.

It's curious your nitrate is so high with only 6 neon tetras. Have you tested your tap water? If it is high in nitrates, that might be a part of your problem. If you could find good water to do larger water changes with, that would help a lot.

Also, I will work on getting the temp down in the low 75's. Again thanks so much for the response!

 

[airdog44]

It's curious your nitrate is so high with only 6 neon tetras. Have you tested your tap water? If it is high in nitrates, that might be a part of your problem. If you could find good water to do larger water changes with, that would help a lot.

Actually, funny story about that, it's not the tap water. I read the test wrong and added extra fertilizer(Thrive C) when I didn't need to. So that raised it a bit. But your right, I shouldn't have that high of nitrate with my stocking so I will check my tap water. And unfortunately, I don't have another water source...what should I do? My tap water sucks for this hobby

I removed all the dead plant matter, scraped algae off walls, have some shrimp, and lowered the heater to set temp. to 72 compared to 75. Hopefully, this can keep it at bay.

 

[Mudminnow]

Actually, funny story about that, it's not the tap water. I read the test wrong and added extra fertilizer(Thrive C) when I didn't need to. So that raised it a bit. But your right, I shouldn't have that high of nitrate with my stocking so I will check my tap water. And unfortunately, I don't have another water source...what should I do? My tap water sucks for this hobby

I removed all the dead plant matter, scraped algae off walls, have some shrimp, and lowered the heater to set temp. to 72 compared to 75. Hopefully, this can keep it at bay.

It's a good idea to double check your tap water for ammonia and nitrates (possibly phosphates too). And, if it's true your tap is no good (and you can't get another source), you'll have to set your tank up in a way where you do as small and as few of water changes as you can.

Maybe something like the tank set-up in this article would work for you: How to Setup a Low-tech Planted Tank: Planted Aquarium Guide | Bits and pieces of my digital life.

 

[airdog44]

I already pretty much have that same setup, just different ferts. I just need to get my ammonia to zero, I feel like that would solve all my problems lol. I'll update later tonight what my tap water tests to. Thanks for all the help I really appreciate it

Also, question: So in that article, that guy doesn't do any water changes? Or just like once a month?

 

[airdog44]

Ok, so I tested my tap water...0 nitrates and 0.5 ammonia. I think my nitrates are super high because I have been dosing my ferts when I don't need to and it just built up over time. I'll be sure to watch that. So to get my ammonia to 0...would multiple small water changes help to achieve that?

 

[Mudminnow]

The guy in the article doesn't do any water changes except when he's replanting. It's just one way of keeping a planted tank, but I thought it might work in your case--considering your tap water.

If you have .5 ppm ammonia in your tap water, doing water changes will not help get your ammonia to 0. Given that you don't have any other sources of water, you'll have to set things up a little unconventionally. That is, your goal should be as few water changes as possible. If you don't add more livestock, and plant very heavily with easy plants, it's doable. I've set up a zero water change tank before; you won't win any aquascaping contests, but it can still be a nice tank.

 

[airdog44]

Haha ok. Thanks for the help. I do have filtered water from my refrigerator so I might try that.

 

[naterock15]

Are

Haha ok. Thanks for the help. I do have filtered water from my refrigerator so I might try that.

you still having these problems?

 

[airdog44]

Unfortunately yes . I am dosing with Ultralife Blue Green Slime Stain remover right now, I will keep you updated