View Full Version : Algae growth in tank
Cichlid Guy
12-14-2002, 4:43 PM
I`ve got a the beginnings of a substanial outbreak of a green-spotted form of algae growth on my aquarium glass.The tank is an established 55 gallon setup that houses Mbuna. The algae is a bright greenish clor and covers 2/3rds of my tank.Scraping with an abrasive scrub brush does little good. Any suggestions as to how I might get rid of it?
wetmanNY
12-14-2002, 8:16 PM
Green spot algae is a tough one. None of the fish seem to make a dent in it...
The edge of a credit card? I always scratch my tanks with razor blades.
Serrateeth_2002
12-14-2002, 8:32 PM
Snails?
Kit Walker
12-14-2002, 8:32 PM
Sounds like you need a pleco or similar algae eater. Is there a chance you can reduce lighting? Another helpful addition is to plant the tank (if you have plant friendly fish) because the plants usually outcompete the algae for nutrients and hence reduced algal growth.
Serrateeth_2002
12-14-2002, 8:34 PM
Since it is mbunas,i doubt any algae eaters would be suitable concerning the water parameters.
Kit Walker
12-15-2002, 3:58 AM
Hmmm...maybe try posting in the cichlid forum for a suitable algae eater. There must be one that can live in Malawi conditions. Surely?
wetmanNY
12-15-2002, 6:37 AM
Mbuna are algae-eaters. Not hard green spot algae.
You didn't mention if there are any plants in the tank. What lignting is on it and duration etc. Anyway, I think I'd add some java fern, anubias or some other low light plant that the cichlids won't eat. This will take up some of the nutrients. Do your regular water changes. And lower the light.....The fish won't mind and low light, slow growing plants won't mind, and the algae will eventually starve.....you still gotta keep scraping it off the glass until it quits growing, but you can whip it! Good luck.