algae, i am sick of it

[muskieswen]

I change water on my 55 every week (about 25-30 percent) I have a ehiem pro canister filter. 4 days after changing water and cleaning the glass i get algae growing on the glass again. I have ottos and just purchased a brislenose pleco. I was hoping that mr. bristlenose would help but all he does is hide. What can i do?:(

[~*LuvMyKribs*~]

Do you have live plants? How long are you leaving the light on for? Is it near a window?

[muskieswen]

yes I have live plants. lights on from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm. No there is no sunlight hitting it. Tank has been up for about 2-1/2 months

[adblair]

what are your nitrAte levels? (not your nitrIte levels)
how many/what kind of other fish do you have in your tank?

[jread]

I don't know if you have them in your area, but I got an army of Amano Shrimp for my planted tank and they have made it completely spotless! I've never seen anything devour algae like those little guys do! I also have some Ottos who definitely do great work. You may try the amanos if you can find some. They're becoming very common these days.

[Hans]

someone told me that the ottos suck the clorophyl out of the leaves, killing most plants, is that true?

[jread]

Originally posted by Hans
someone told me that the ottos suck the clorophyl out of the leaves, killing most plants, is that true?

Don't see anything about that here: http://www.otocinclus.com/

[rodney10954]

get a CAE
People dont like them
but i like mine
i put one in my 55 that had algae all over the glass
and in 1 day there was a huge change

[muskieswen]

Adblair,
I do not remember what my water chemistry is, but they have been good since the cycling was done. I have for fish the following
6 ottos
4 corys
1 bristlenose pleco
4 angels
5 rummy nose tetras
5 serpae tetraes
5 marble hatchets
6 harlequin rasboras
Seems like alot of fish when I write it down but everyone is happy.

[emoore]

I would avoid the CAE especially since you angels. CAE are great algae eaters when they are young but they become agressive when they get older. If you get a CAE and he gets agressive he will attack your angels first since they are slow moving. I have 5 ottos and a Bristlenose Pl*co and I still clean the glass with a razor blade at least once a week. It only takes a few minutes.