Algae every were HELP.

[d_b]

I've got this awful looking brown algae. Can't seem to get it under control. It's a 180 g with oscars and jacks with a few nana's and swords, also 4 pl*co's. I'm at a loss any and all help appreciated.

Thanks

[wetmanNY]

Well, we're hoping it's just diatoms, because they're the easiest (non-algae) to get rid of. Otocinclus eat diatoms. More intense light encourages other biofilm algae that crowd out diatoms. Time heals all ...diatoms. So be patient. Clean them off the front glass, meanwhile.

[Twilight]

I have heard that if you totally enclose the tank in darkness a couple days it may kill the algae. Use like a thin dark cover or something. Fish can survive it and go without eating for a couple days. If it gets bad enough and the fish are having a hard time getting air then you may have to do several 50% water changes. I once had to completely take apart my tank including the underwater filter.....everything. And pray that my fish would make it. They did ....luckily. There are algae killer chems out there but that may be a risk to your fish also. Good luck.

[goldfries]

ok i did a test on my 15g tank (24x12x12)

they were placed outdoors and it was partitioned.

the partition with 1 pleco is absolutely clear, while the other is absolutely green.

what are the dimensions on your 180g?

[Orbitorly]

Agreed with wetman :)

[d_b]

Originally posted by wetmanNY
Well, we're hoping it's just diatoms, because they're the easiest (non-algae) to get rid of. Otocinclus eat diatoms. More intense light encourages other biofilm algae that crowd out diatoms. Time heals all ...diatoms. So be patient. Clean them off the front glass, meanwhile.

OK, If it's diatoms, what else would eat them ? I don't think otos would have a chance. I just added 4 of those american lighting light kits they talk about on the DIY forum. I don't mind cleaning it off the front glass it just looks tacky in the rocks and on my java moss.

Thanks Again

[jiggerpolebill]

this is a thread i posted about a brown algae problem i was having.

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=2025

[Richer]

What sort of lighting do you have over your tank and how many watts? and what sort of duration are they on for?

-Richer

[d_b]

Originally posted by Richer
What sort of lighting do you have over your tank and how many watts? and what sort of duration are they on for?

-Richer

I have 4 65w compact flourescent american lighting (recommended on the diy forum). Two are on for 11 hours and the other two for 9 hours. Total only being 11 hours of the day.