Whats the algae that likes to drow all over the plants? green hair algae? I cant seem to get rid of that stuff no matter what!
algae.. drawing a blank.
- Thread starter Nocturnus
- Start date
I think just about all types of algae can grow on plant leaves.
Have you got an algae-eating crew in the tank? I think that's the most effective means of dealing with it - trying to pull/rub some algaes off your plants can rip the leaves, so I prefer to let my SAEs, oto (only one right now, but he's a hard worker!), bristlenose, shrimp, snail(s) and swords take care of it. Beyond that, I don't know what else you can do (except drastic measures like removing plants and giving them a bath in a bleach solution, something I'd be pretty wary of).
How much light is the tank getting and for how long each day? How much fertilizer and what kind? CO2? Maybe someone can shed some light on an imbalance taking place in your tank if you can post more details.
Have you got an algae-eating crew in the tank? I think that's the most effective means of dealing with it - trying to pull/rub some algaes off your plants can rip the leaves, so I prefer to let my SAEs, oto (only one right now, but he's a hard worker!), bristlenose, shrimp, snail(s) and swords take care of it. Beyond that, I don't know what else you can do (except drastic measures like removing plants and giving them a bath in a bleach solution, something I'd be pretty wary of).
How much light is the tank getting and for how long each day? How much fertilizer and what kind? CO2? Maybe someone can shed some light on an imbalance taking place in your tank if you can post more details.
I have 2 ottos.. they dont touch the long algae... tried removing the algae from my crypt, i ended up tossing the plant... it's 65w of light, co2 which is ~18-20ppm. 12 hours.. 2x week dose of plant gro (1/2 cap per dose).
I would suggest either less nutrients or more plants to find balance.
Green hair algae is easily removed with a tooth brush. 'Glass' algae requires some rubbing. I don't find SAEs to be very effective on many green algae.
Keep cleaning it up, do water changes, add plants and get them growing well, and you should see a reduction of algae. Also, if you can, push the CO2 up a bit to 28 - 30ppm.
Len
Green hair algae is easily removed with a tooth brush. 'Glass' algae requires some rubbing. I don't find SAEs to be very effective on many green algae.
Keep cleaning it up, do water changes, add plants and get them growing well, and you should see a reduction of algae. Also, if you can, push the CO2 up a bit to 28 - 30ppm.
Len
tanker
Josh Holloway--Be mine!!!
For algae to grow you need two things--Light and nutrients. They cannot compete with plants for nutrients, so more plants the better. Get fast growers and soon the nutrient level will be too low for algae.