When algae attacks!

For the past three weeks I've been fighting an invasion of dark green algae. This stuff grows faster than I can blink. It's not very thick, but has attached itself to all; it is on my driftwood, my plants, my decorations and even climbing up the glass. My snails, my farlowella and my shrimp don't seem to feast on the algae. My tank temperature fluctuates between 79 F and 82 F, if that of any help.

So, is anyone able to identify this algae and/or suggest a possible way of controlling it?

Talk about an invasive species.

Jason S.

 

Put a GIANT pleco in there for 5 minutes, and the problem will be gone in the 5 minutes' time !!! Just kidding! ;D

 

Is there direct sunlight on the tank??? Zero sunlight is best, 100% artificial should b used

 

Algae means there is extra nutrients in your tank, do you have any live plants? They would compete with the algae for the nutrients.
Large water changes will help, cutting down on feedings will also help.
Check your Nitrates, if their high the water changes will bring them down.
Just some suggestions
Carol

 

ok...good tips.

I do have live plants and the algae grows right over them. Is there a particular fish that could control the algae without becoming excessively big or a threat to my other fishies.

Jason S.

 

Bristlenose slowly get to about 5 inches and love algae.
Carol

 

Jayson, it seems I am having the same problem that you do. In my 10 gallon tank I noticed brown algae. I have no algae eaters in there, just a few neons to keep the tank cycled. And I have a few plants in there, and just as you're describing, some of the plants have brown algae on them.

Carol is recommending a bristlenose, or a couple of otos. I think I will have to get either of the species sooner or later. Otherwise I presume the algae will grow over everything that's in my tank! In my 30 gallon tank, I do have a Chinese Loach, and so far I have never seen any algae in there.