Algea Problem

[h0nkzz]

I have a somewhat planted 40 gal breeder and having a algea problem. All my anubias are cover with brown hair algea & my java moss too.
what is possibly causing this ?

heres the detail:
40 gal breeder
AquaClear 110 HOB
DIY CO2
PFS substrate
Light : 2x30W t12 Fluorescent

[Mzungu]

Re: Algea Problem

Was the tank just set up, or has it been running for a while? There are lots of possibilities as to what caused the outbreak, but the cure will pretty much be the same for all situations. Make sure you're doing regular water changes, remove all the algae you can by hand, and try dosing with excel if you can. I've found that excel can really help with hair algae.

[h0nkzz]

Re: Algea Problem

Its been running for over a month and constantly have algae. i'll dose some excel n more frequent water change. thanks Mzungu

[schance]

Re: Algea Problem

amano shrimp eat the stuff

[Mzungu]

Re: Algea Problem

I've seen proof that amanos eat it, although none of the amanos I've had personally have ever touched the stuff! Scuds eat it, but will be eaten by any fish in the tank before they can start on the algae.

[schance]

Re: Algea Problem

what is a scud?

[h0nkzz]

Re: Algea Problem

no shrimp. I'm keeping 4"+ calvus in there lol

[Mzungu]

Re: Algea Problem

Then excel it is!

Scuds are a FW gammarus.

[Darbex]

Re: Algea Problem

Get some olive nerites from Dan and water changes. I have finally begin to see less and less algae

[screename]

Re: Algea Problem

amanos > nerites

[schance]

Re: Algea Problem

drain the tank and as you come to ares with algae get some small scissors, like the ones in manicure sets, and then cut it of and suck it up.

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Algea Problem

How long are you running the lights for?
How frequent do you renew the yeast fermentation?
How are you dissolving the co2?


Naturally...you get algae with new tanks but if understood you can minimize the occurance.

[Nickintex]

Re: Algea Problem

Goodieds love hair algae. They also like hard alkaline water just like African cichlids. I put some in with my trophs and they are doing well so far.

[Navarro]

Re: Algea Problem

Since you are keeping tangs in there I think the only algae eaters you can safely use are Neritina snails if you care about the looks or American Nerite snail which are not too pretty but they work hard.
I don’t like the idea of using Co2 with Africans (even when is possible) because is simply not natural for the fish let alone that is DIY and the fluctuations in your Ph are going to happen rather drastically.
I personally would use a substrate like Onyx sand by Seachem which will provide enough CaC03 to keep the water chemistry stable and therefore it will provide a natural source of Ca to the plants; use TRUE aquatic plants like Vallisnera spp. for the most part so this way your ferns and Anubias spp. will have it easier.
Planting densely will keep algae at bay, preferably use a canister filter and avoid using an air diffuser; your plants should be capable enough to provide enough O2 for your fish; this plus weekly WC is to me the best way to keep a planted aquarium for fish.
Best regards,
Luis