Algae Bloom?

Walker Anderson

Walker Anderson

AC Members
Dec 12, 2005
93
0
0
www.walkeranderson.com
Hello,
I was wondering if anyone can offer a plan of attack on this. My tank water has turned a greenish hue. I checked PH-6.4,Nitrate 0, Nitrite 0, Ammonia 0, fish happy, found and scooped up 8 fry this morning. So I got babies! But, the water also started getting greener after I started using DIY C02 bottle. Is there any non-chemical or artificial way to deal with this. It has gotten to where you can barely see the back of the tank when looking from the front.

Thanks
Walker
 
Since the tank seems to be planted, you might find this suggestion weird but increase feeding and reduce the amount of water changes. Right now you want to get your Nitrates above 0 so that your plants take off again. They will quickly starve the algae. I think that the algae is using up all the Nitrates starving the plants from Nitrogen slowing their growth allowing the algae to enjoy the fresh minerals from waterchanges.
 
Yes, the tank is planted. Since the original post, the water has gotten so green and dark that unless a fish swims near the glass you can not see them. From what I can see, they are ok when I see them. I have no idea what is happening behind the scenes. 30gal. 60 watt flourescent light. Ph 6.4, Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 0. I can't seem to find a way to make the water clear again.
 
A UV sterilizer will clear that right up rather quickly. Kills all bacteria, parasites, and algae floating around in the water. But you do want your nitrate above 0 as rrkss said, somewhere around 20 is ideal.
 
This may sound weird, but how long has it been since you've changed out your light tube? One of my tanks started overgrowing with algae, and I got new tubes for it. It was amazing how dim the old tubes had become.
 
Walker,

You and I have the same issue. My PH is around 7.6, with Ammonia, Nitrites and Nitrates at 0. My light is 2wpg over a 70g tank. My tap water does have phosphates around 5.

This issue has been haunting me for about three weeks now. I finally broke down and installed a UV Sterl unit and after about a day, I can actually see fish in the middle of the tank. I also added some addtional plants to compete with the algae for the nutrients.

The UV, for the most part, treats the symptom. So you will need to find the root cause. Although the UV is a temp solution, it gives you the opportunity to monitor your fish as normal for disease, unusual behavior, etc...


Jesse
 
BTW, if you go the UV Sterl Unit route, order it online from thatpetplave or bigalsonline. They seem to be significantly cheaper than I have seen in any lfs. Just my experience.

Jesse
 
Thanks

Thanks for the info, didn't know of UV usage. I will have to look into that.
It also made me think that this started after I painted and modified my tank hood. I have a large 2 bulb flourescent where it would normally sit. Where the door the access the tank is, I put a flora grow florescent in a single bulb hood. Went to home depot, got hinges so the front light is hinged like a lid to the second, put a cabinet handel on the front light so it lifts easy.

And the thing that may be the problem. I didn't think, but I painted the white reflectors in the hoods Chrome. And went over that with some Krylon clear reflective paint. Industrial product. I just figured I would get the most outta the lighting I have.

This may be where my problem lays. Thanks for all the suggestions and help. They are greatly appriciated.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom