Aquarium Algae
Discussion
Got a problem with algae on our vallis - its like dark brown hair, starts about an inch down from the top of the leaves, and is on every leaf. But only on the vallis ... Started a couple of days after putting the vallis in and I cant find any details on what it might be.
Its a Jewel 120 corner tank, external filter (Fluval 205), neons, mollies, plec, gourami, shark, crystal catfish, about 20 fish in all.
Its a Jewel 120 corner tank, external filter (Fluval 205), neons, mollies, plec, gourami, shark, crystal catfish, about 20 fish in all.
With algae, whatever type the solution is basically the same - less light. How long per day do you have the lighting on for? And how heavily planted is the tank? And is the tank in the line of any direct sunlight?
I've found that a complete blackout (towel or blanket over the tank for a few days, no lighting) is a quick way to start to kill of algae. Barring that, cutting the amount of time your lights are on each day helps. I'd suggest moving the tank if its in the path of direct sunlight, but the fact its a corner tank tells me you've got nowhere else to put it.
I've found that a complete blackout (towel or blanket over the tank for a few days, no lighting) is a quick way to start to kill of algae. Barring that, cutting the amount of time your lights are on each day helps. I'd suggest moving the tank if its in the path of direct sunlight, but the fact its a corner tank tells me you've got nowhere else to put it.
I'd have to agree with Big Jon.
Typically, "Beard Algae" is introduced with new stock, plants etc. It can grow in poor quality water, sometimes caused by a lack of filtration / moving water, overfeeding allowing detrius to build up and so on, but my guess is that you have recently introduced some new elements into your tank and brought it in.
I would suggest a water testing kit, see how far away from ideal conditions you are and look to remedy. If the tank biology is immature, or if you have recently added a lot of fish that could cause the upset in bacteria / detrius.
It's a bugger - doesn't even scrub off properly and you may end up having to chemically clean the tank to get rid of it. If you leave a trace, it will be back.
See here: http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/maintenance1/p/a...
That url mentions cleaning with bleach soutions. Be REALLY careful on using bleach to clean the items as you fish will not like even a trace of it being introduced to the tank on stuff you have cleaned.
Typically, "Beard Algae" is introduced with new stock, plants etc. It can grow in poor quality water, sometimes caused by a lack of filtration / moving water, overfeeding allowing detrius to build up and so on, but my guess is that you have recently introduced some new elements into your tank and brought it in.
I would suggest a water testing kit, see how far away from ideal conditions you are and look to remedy. If the tank biology is immature, or if you have recently added a lot of fish that could cause the upset in bacteria / detrius.
It's a bugger - doesn't even scrub off properly and you may end up having to chemically clean the tank to get rid of it. If you leave a trace, it will be back.
See here: http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/maintenance1/p/a...
That url mentions cleaning with bleach soutions. Be REALLY careful on using bleach to clean the items as you fish will not like even a trace of it being introduced to the tank on stuff you have cleaned.
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