Algae Bloom

J

jacksmom

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Jan 27, 2004
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I am now having my second algae bloom in 2 months, I got rid of the first one by covering the tank for 48 hours, worked like a charm. I have now covered the tank again. My question is, why am I getting this recurrently? I have a ten gallon, I feed once a day, I am getting better about turning out the lights at night. I did just add three fish, could that be the problem? I had 2 sunburst platys and an 8 inch long pl@co. I took the pl@co to the lfs cause he was obviously too big for my tank. I brought home a SAE and 2 dwarf puffers. Let me know what I am doing wrong.
 
You will never completely rid your tank of algae. It sounds like you are experiencing algae blooms (you are providing an ideal environment for the algae and they are taking advantage). I would suspect that the nutrient level in your tank is high (nitrates and phosphates) and that you are keeping the light on excessively. Meticulous cleaning of the gravel on a regular basis, substantial regular water changes, and care with the amount of food fed along with reduction in the number of hours the light is on will help greatly with algae.

You didn’t mention plants in the tank so there is no competition available for the algae; therefore nutrient and light management is your best option IMO.
 
I would invest in a timer for the lights. They only cost a few dollars and will help regulate the amount of light that you tank recieves. I would also guess that you have high levels of nutrients. High levels of phosphates is a preety common reason for alage blooms.
 
I just don't understand how I could be overfeeding, I only give a small pinch every day if that. I know sometimes people feed 2 or 3 times a day. I will get a timer, though. Would plants help keep the algae in check? And did I read somewhere that if you have an old light it could contribute to the problem?
 
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