algae dilemma

[orthikon]

I have my light on for 11 hours a day. And algae is becoming a pain in the butt (growing on gravel and on fake plants w/c is an annoying sight). Are there any other solutions to daily scrubbing? I already have a 3.5" syno (tank was given to me with this fish) in my tank so an algae eater is defintely a nono.

I feed every other day so overfeeding is an unlikely cause. Also I just replaced the other half of my panel filter and put in new carbon after 2 months. I hope this improves the situation.

I have read the sticky.

Is an amano shrimp compatible with the fish that I have? I just saw its picture and looks a lot like a ghost shrimp are they the same?

[beviking]

Have you tried having the lights on for a shorter duration? Maybe break up the times the light is on...a few hours in the a.m., several hours in the p.m. or whatever your shedule might be when you're home to see it. The fish do not need the constant light.

BTW, you do realize you posted this in the Live Plants section right? It's o.k., we all make mistakes, just might get better response in the "General Freshwater" section :)
Although, algae is a plant so I can see your reasoning ;)

[CharlieV]

I use a siesta period on all of my tanks to minimise algae.
Lights on 9am
Lights off 12pm
Lights on 3pm
Lights off 9pm

Seems to be working ok.
Have you checked phosphate levels?
Dunno about the Amano's with yr cats but mine are cool with the carnivorous plec i have. Mind you they don't do much cleaning if you keep them well fed (hmm dilema, varied diet good, algae not good??!!!)
Ottos are good for algae and stay relatively small.

[orthikon]

Yeah I changed my times similar to yours Charlie.

Sorry for the noob question but how do I check my phosphate level? And what are the implications of such levels? I'm trying to read up now but it's quite hard to find a good primer guide.

The otto catfish seems to be a very good idea as it does not grow very large since my tank is overcrowded as it is right now. I think I'm going to get one.

[beviking]

You test for phosphate with a phosphate test kit. It is one of the major nutrients needed by plants. Without P, your plants will suffer.
Try this...
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12585