Can a tank be too clean?

[Boomer77]

Hi.

This may be a dumb question. I've read on here where some say they purposely let algae grow on their tank so fish have something to eat. Is it possible to have a tank that is "too clean?" I've had my 125 gallon up for over a month and its spotless. No algae, no water issues, healthy fish, etc. I feed my bottom feeders wafers, so I don't think I need to purposely grow algae.

JP

[rich311k]

That is fine. I think by too clean they mean removing everything to the point that you destroy your biological filter.

[Squawkbert]

For now wafers are good - don't worry, the diatom & algae fairies will visit your tank soon enough.

[The Zigman]

Yup, just wait a while.
My 125 was spotless, and one day I woke up to BBA Everywhere!it was amazing. I put a pleco, 8 oto's and 3 SAEs in there, and they keep it pretty clean, and they stay fat too..

I think a little algae makes a tank look good though.

[Hooked Newbie]

I agree with the above. I'm a big fan of a natural looking tank and believe there is a healthy level of algae. Reaching a balance to maintain that level is the tricky part.

[grannylvsfish]

For now wafers are good - don't worry, the diatom & algae fairies will visit your tank soon enough.
just you wait henry higgens just you wait :lmao:



Yup, just wait a while.
My 125 was spotless, and one day I woke up to BBA Everywhere!it was amazing. I put a pleco, 8 oto's and 3 SAEs in there, and they keep it pretty clean, and they stay fat too..

I think a little algae makes a tank look good though.
and healthy :)


I agree with the above. I'm a big fan of a natural looking tank and believe there is a healthy level of algae. Reaching a balance to maintain that level is the tricky part.

I wish I had some :lol: my huge snail ate it all :eek; I have not to speak of :(

[Boomer77]

I'll be patient then, lol. How long does it usually take for the algae to appear?

[grannylvsfish]

I'll be patient then, lol. How long does it usually take for the algae to appear?
your tank sounds wonderful, it took me about 2 months, brown diatoms every where. I had that for over a year, well until I changed out the filters and stopped using store bought and did my own. also my snail loves any algae that grows :)

[Boomer77]

your tank sounds wonderful, it took me about 2 months, brown diatoms every where. I had that for over a year, well until I changed out the filters and stopped using store bought and did my own. also my snail loves any algae that grows :)
Thanks. I'll hit two months around the middle of October, so we'll see. I've also taken your advice and purchased some of that blue filter media to put in my emperor. I've got my pleco standing by ready for the algae!

[grannylvsfish]

Thanks. I'll hit two months around the middle of October, so we'll see. I've also taken your advice and purchased some of that blue filter media to put in my emperor. I've got my pleco standing by ready for the algae!
good going boomer!! my tanks are crystal clear. I love that filter media !!! maybe you may not even have any algae, soem green is good though, but that brown crap is a pain!!! glad i no longer have a problem with it .

[Boomer77]

I really would prefer not to have any, but will deal with it should it appear.

[J double R]

diatoms are a usual experience in newer tanks, and like the common bacterial bloom, will often subside on their own with vigilant cleaning.