Lighting, algae, and filtration

[cle_tribe]

I could use some advise. I have a 55 gallon tank. I am currently using a penguin biowheel 330 and a penguin biowheel 175. Is this too much filtration or is there such a thing as too much?

Also, my setup requires two light hoods instead of one because I have a center brace on top. How long would anyone suggest I have the lights on? I was turning them on all day long.

Thirdly, in the two years I have had aquariums, I have never ever had any visible algae growth. Lately, I have noticed a slight bloom of reddish brown algae. Is this a result of the lights being on so much. When I had my 20 gallon set up, I never used the lights because the tank was located in a very well light area. My 55 gallon and stand sit in a corner between two windows, but it doesn't get much daylight. That's why I used the lights more on the 55 gallon.

Can I use an algae eliminator and not disturb my pleco?

So everone knows, my tank contains 3 serpa tetras, 2 swordtails, 3 smaller bala's, 1 pyctus catfish, and 1 pleco.

Any help would be appreciated.

[VoodooChild]

1) As long as your fish aren't being swept through the tank, overfiltration doesn't really exist, in freshwater at least. You're fine with what you've got.
2) If you don't have any live plants, there's no need for the lights. I'd only turn them on when you're looking at them, for company, etc. The fish won't care, especially if they're in a room with windows. That should definantly cut back on the algae.
3) As long as you supplement his feedins, like with algae wafers, cucumber, spinach, or romain lettuce, you shouldn't have a problem. Nothing out there is a sure-fire way to get rid of the stuff, but I've had good luck with the No More Algae product by Jungle as a preventative. Hope this helps!

[cle_tribe]

Voodoochild,

Thanks for your help. I was real wierd noticing algae. As I had said, I've had a 20 gallon for two years and never saw a speck of algae. I've had the 55 gallon stocked for about month to a month and a half and already have the algae. I will try the product No More Algea by jungle. Do you know of a popular store to purchase it in eg. petsmart, pet supplies plus? Again, thanks for the advice.

[VoodooChild]

No probs. Petco has it. Otherwise just go to any store and see what they recommend. That being said though, I didn't like Algae Destroyer. I can't remember who makes it unfortunately, but it didn't do a thing to the algae. Good luck in your crusade.

[wetmanNY]

A lot of fishkeepers would warn you away from any algicides. The No More Algae is one of those fizzy tank buddies. They tell you not to use it in tanks with invertebrates or real plants. (I'd add "or fish.") They warn you not to use it in soft water. And algicides are better at preventing algae than taking away algae that are already there.

Better see what the chemical is and do a www.google.com search .

Your "brown algae" are probably diatoms. Easily wiped off the glass. Algae is more noticeable in unplanted tanks: there's plenty of algae in my tanks, but the plants are in control and you don't notice the algae. (Well, I don't notice the algae anyway.)