algae anyone?

[waterspirit]

My tank has been up and running for a couple of months now and I have yet to grow any algae. My tank sits right across the room from a double window yet no growth at all. I know, most people would be happy with that, but it kind of worries me a bit. Besides, I like the look of a tank with a healthy algae population, as long as the sides are kept clean. My water isn't too hard, my pH is around 7.4 and the tank is a constant 76 degrees. Am I doing something wrong?

[valerie]

who many watts do you have for lighting?how long are the lights on? how often do you do water changes. Do you have any plants?

[a_free_bird73]

The type of algae that growth partly depends on the maturity of the tank.. Two months is probably a tad on the too early side to say much... Give the tank a bit more time to mature and get into a natural cycle...

[longhorn]

I got the reverse problem. My tank start to growth algae about a month ago. I try to get rid of them but without much luck. I don't like to use chemical. Is there a fish that can get rid of algae problem?

[djlen]

Waterspirit, you should thank your lucky stars, but as previously stated, your tank is new and over time I'm sure that you will be writing and asking questions on how to get rid of one kind of algae or another. Until then........enjoy!!!!
Longhorn, it all depends on what kind of algae you've got. If you don't know the name, describe it. There are many different algae eaters out there. Some are better on certain types of algae than others. One piece of advise however.....don't buy any "algae eaters" until you're sure they will do the job for you. SAEs are really good algae eaters, but have many look alikes. Get back to us with some info on your algae.
Len

[longhorn]

Thanks djlen!

The algae in my tank is brown yellow colored. It noramlly starts as small round dots then quick spead out. Most of the algae starts either right above the gravel or around the corner of the tank. I guess that is the best I can describe them. Once it starts grow, it makes the tank looks pretty ugly.

[waterspirit]

Well I guess I spoke too soon...

I just noticed the beginnings of brown algae in my tank. Oh well, time to get some ottos or something, I guess.

[longhorn]

I heard ottos can only survive in heavy algae tanks. If algae cannot keep growing then ottos will starv to death. Is there fish out there can can survive on both algae and regular food?

[wetmanNY]

Try spinach or zucchini as one of your regular foods. A lot of fish will benefit besides the "vegetarians." Barbs for instance. And gouramis.

[Mongrel]

I just purchased a few Chinese algae eaters and they cleaned up my algae almost overnight. I guess the drawback is they don't eat as much when they get older plus they get a little more aggressive...so I was told. They are also great community fish.

Mongrel's Place (http://home.attbi.com/~mongrel74)

[djlen]

Otos can and will find algae that you don't even know you have. They are constantly looking for it. And if you get worried you can throw in a Hikari Algae Wafer. They sink to the bottom and Otos love them. So do the other fish so I put mine in 15 mins. before lights out. Oto's are nocturnal feeders.
Len

[FishmasteR2002]

Yea I feed my fish sprulina discs as part of their diet so they won't eat my plants. Don't worry like djl;en said they will find algae you can't even see to eat plus what you feel them. I have even caught my Algae Eater eating shrimp pellets(only once). Don't worry they will be ok even if you have no visible algae. :)