KaitKat
- #1
A couple days ago I noticed some algae growing on the filter and along the bottom of my betta tank, but nowhere near as bad as the pictures. Not a big deal since I was planning on doing a water change sometime today (2 days from when I noticed it.. I just didn't have time between then and today) and figured I could scrape it off then. It looked the same yesterday, and this morning I found this explosion of algae and it all looks like different types to me. Ammonia is 0, Nitrites are 0, and Nitrates are 7.5 (my # for not as light as 5 but not as dark as 10). I'm assuming the Nitrates are the source of the issue.
This happens every few weeks (just the small bit on the glass and filter) and I usually just scrape/scoop it off/out but it finds its way back. I'm ready for a permanent fix. There are 3 moss balls in there with the betta, but those are the only live plants (I heard those help with Nitrates so I thought I'd mention it). I know Nerite snails eat algae but I'd rather fix the root of the problem or add plants if that'd solve it since my betta is very territorial and I don't know how well introducing a new animal into his space would go over. There was one with him when he was in a 5 gallon and he mostly ignored it but this is a smaller tank so that concerns me. (If having my betta in a 3.5g makes you worried/upset for whatever reason- read my first post in the link in my signature, the reasoning behind the 3.5g is all explained there. I assure you he's much happier.)
I actually have to go somewhere very soon so I'll do a water change when I get back and I'm going to scrape the algae off and rinse off the decorations that got some on them unless someone suggests otherwise. If someone could tell what types of algae they are and what the solution to each would be, or if they're all the same, that would be so helpful.
This happens every few weeks (just the small bit on the glass and filter) and I usually just scrape/scoop it off/out but it finds its way back. I'm ready for a permanent fix. There are 3 moss balls in there with the betta, but those are the only live plants (I heard those help with Nitrates so I thought I'd mention it). I know Nerite snails eat algae but I'd rather fix the root of the problem or add plants if that'd solve it since my betta is very territorial and I don't know how well introducing a new animal into his space would go over. There was one with him when he was in a 5 gallon and he mostly ignored it but this is a smaller tank so that concerns me. (If having my betta in a 3.5g makes you worried/upset for whatever reason- read my first post in the link in my signature, the reasoning behind the 3.5g is all explained there. I assure you he's much happier.)
I actually have to go somewhere very soon so I'll do a water change when I get back and I'm going to scrape the algae off and rinse off the decorations that got some on them unless someone suggests otherwise. If someone could tell what types of algae they are and what the solution to each would be, or if they're all the same, that would be so helpful.