algae outbreak

[Flavius]

I used to have the clearest water. Then few days after a water change recently, it got all green. I boil my water, let it cool then treat it with Aquaplus before adding it to the tank. The only variable that was different with this particular water change was the time I kept the water in the recipient. Usualy I add the water the next day after boiling it, but this time I waited about 3-4 days.

I also noticed my filter is weaker then before.

There is no direct sunlight to the tank.

I also tried large water changes 80% but this thing spreads very fast. Any suggestion on how to cure this?

 

[Grundy]

You should probably check the nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia to see where they are at. If the nitrates are high they will feed the algae. Why is your filter slowing down. This could be part of the problem. Any new fish?

 

[sumthin fishy]

I dont see the need to boil your water, and it is possible trace metals will disolve from the pot to your water. This could be part of the problem, or cause unrelated problems down the road. Do those water changes!

filter weakness can be from clogged cartidges, impellers or intake tubes. Check all and clean with old tank water or dechlorinated water.

 

[Flavius]

- ammonia, phosphates, nitrates and nitrites levels are normal.

- the filter is slowing down because the motor is aging I guess. It is about 16 months old. It is oversized anyway. It fits a 40-70g tank and I have a 32g. So it still should be fine.

- no new fish

- I was boling water just as a precaution, but a positive effect I noticed is that the hardness was decreasing. I can actually see pellets depositing on the bottom of the recipient as the water cools, which I believe is calcium. Does that make sense?

 

[Star_Rider]

is this algae green or brown?

 

[Flavius]

green. is a 100% water change an option?

 

[plah831]

green. is a 100% water change an option?

yes, this can be safely performed with minimal impact on your biological filter if you keep your filter media and gravel moist (to keep the beneficial bacteria alive). you might want to try that.

the reducing hardness by boiling is a good tip! i'm sure it is calcium or other hard water deposits that are falling out of solution. your water is really not very hard, tho.

by the way, what WERE your nitrate levels?