Algae boom

J

jnb1985

AC Members
Apr 27, 2009
39
0
0
39
Baton Rouge, LA
Here's the scenario:
30gal tank
98watt 10k light
a few corkscrew vals
3-4 moneywort
some microswords (hopfully for ground cover)

some of the corkscrew vals died off, but a few are doing ok. (I was told this would happen because they are a tempermental plant) I had an algae boom and was not sure what to do. I want to start a CO2 system, but don't have the money for it now. I got 2 gold algae eaters to start the fishy cycle and to clear up the algae. Should I be doing anything else? I've had the fish since Monday and it does look a bit better, but the algae on the moneywort is bothering me. I also purchased some algae waffers for them, but I'm not sure when to feed them considering it a freaking buffett in there.
 
Algae usually blooms when you have too much nutrients-nitrates/phosphates -in the tank (yes light does figure in but it is not the only thing to cause a bloom). The easiest to control is phosphates- try Seachem's phosguard. Put it your filter with your normal media- it comes in pouches and a loose form. Works well. As far as fish for control the only ones I have found to work well are farlowella catfish- very peaceful fish, not picky like otts or some plecos.
 
not necesarily true. it can happen if you dont have enough nutrients also. if you have nitrate and potassium but no phosphate that can cause algae growth too. you need to balance you nutrients. n-p-k = 10-1-20. and you have over 3 watts per gallon without co2. that's a lot of light without co2. how long are your lights on per day? have you looked into diy co2 untill you can afford to take the plunge?
 
Well one of the fish just died. :( I did a 25% water change today and cleaned off some of the algae on the glass with a clean dish towel. I used tap water for the change. Not sure why it died.... is it safe to assume it was because of the cycle? I tested the ammonia and it was between 0-.25 the ph was 8. I can test the nitrates and nitrites if need be. Maybe I just need to put in a hardier fish.
 
your tank isnt cycled all of the way if you have any detectable amount of ammonia. ammonia = BAD. test your nitrite levels. are you using a tap water conditioner?
and i also wouldn't use a dish cloth. even though you have washed it, the dishwasher soaps and laundry detergents are still present.
 
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Well I figured out what did it, probabbly the fact that I didn't condition the tap water. Sigh.... no matter how much research I do I always seem to miss something. We'll see what happens with the other fish, but if he dies too I might start over and do a fishless cycle.
 
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