(still can't seem to post using Explorer for some reason?)
Hi folks
Back again to drive you potty with my pesky queries (BTW I posted last question to Freshwater Forum because I couldn't seem to load the Newbie one and although it appears to be working now, it still seems to taken an age to load?)
I have recently performed my first 66per cent change of the water in my tank. However I collected the tank originally from the person who owned the fish we adopted and so from the amount of flotsam and jetsam floating in the water when I cleaned the gravel, I imagine the tank and its gravel have been in use for quite some time.
About a week before the gravel clean/water change, I took the half dozen pretty shells we put in the tank to scrub them in hot water, as suggested by the pet shop geezer, to clean off what looked like brown algae. But in the past day or so we have noticed a new build up of algae only sadly this time it has mostly collected on the glass of the tank, rather than the shells.
Because we first noticed the algae after the light in the tank had been left on for a long period, I automatically assumed that the light was one of the principal causes. However after scanning the net for solutions, I am even more confused, having found one web site which suggested leaving the light on because it is a lack of light which promotes the growth of brown algae. And although the light was on for a long period just recently, leading me to think it was related to the problem, prior to this the light had been left off for longer than usual, so I now don't know what to think
In addition to wanting to know what to do for the best to prevent the algae growing, I need to know how to clean it. Whereas it was relatively easy to take the shells out of the water and scrub them clean, I haven't a clue how to get it off the sides of the tank. Moreover I am worried about scraping it off and straight back into the water
I would be extremely appreciative of the best practical advice anyone can offer. Not to mention the least expensive, as I've read suggestions for an RO Water filter which is I am afraid is far too pricy for my pocket - in case anyone doesn't know yet, we only took the original fish on because the boyfriend of the previous owner was about to dump it in the pond in our local park, which would have been an almost certain death certificate and I have since forked out for a filter, an additional air stone, plants and four more fish to keep Ridley company, our absolute favourite of which sadly gave up the ghost in the heatwave that has just recently ended here in London
FYI I think we have something like a 15 gallon tank with a Veiltail, a Fantail, a Black Moor and a Pearl Scale (who is the positively weird little pal we got to replace our Panda Moor as company for the little Fantail)
I have read details about Algae eating fish but I don't think the tank can comfortably take any more inhabitants and besides, considering how quickly this outbreak of algae has appeared and how much of it there is, I think I need to take some urgent action to clear it out and prevent it getting any worse
With my utmost thanks as ever for taking the touble to lend me the benefit of your experience and my most sincere gratitude for all the help I have had to date
Kindest regards
Bernard
Hi folks
Back again to drive you potty with my pesky queries (BTW I posted last question to Freshwater Forum because I couldn't seem to load the Newbie one and although it appears to be working now, it still seems to taken an age to load?)
I have recently performed my first 66per cent change of the water in my tank. However I collected the tank originally from the person who owned the fish we adopted and so from the amount of flotsam and jetsam floating in the water when I cleaned the gravel, I imagine the tank and its gravel have been in use for quite some time.
About a week before the gravel clean/water change, I took the half dozen pretty shells we put in the tank to scrub them in hot water, as suggested by the pet shop geezer, to clean off what looked like brown algae. But in the past day or so we have noticed a new build up of algae only sadly this time it has mostly collected on the glass of the tank, rather than the shells.
Because we first noticed the algae after the light in the tank had been left on for a long period, I automatically assumed that the light was one of the principal causes. However after scanning the net for solutions, I am even more confused, having found one web site which suggested leaving the light on because it is a lack of light which promotes the growth of brown algae. And although the light was on for a long period just recently, leading me to think it was related to the problem, prior to this the light had been left off for longer than usual, so I now don't know what to think
In addition to wanting to know what to do for the best to prevent the algae growing, I need to know how to clean it. Whereas it was relatively easy to take the shells out of the water and scrub them clean, I haven't a clue how to get it off the sides of the tank. Moreover I am worried about scraping it off and straight back into the water
I would be extremely appreciative of the best practical advice anyone can offer. Not to mention the least expensive, as I've read suggestions for an RO Water filter which is I am afraid is far too pricy for my pocket - in case anyone doesn't know yet, we only took the original fish on because the boyfriend of the previous owner was about to dump it in the pond in our local park, which would have been an almost certain death certificate and I have since forked out for a filter, an additional air stone, plants and four more fish to keep Ridley company, our absolute favourite of which sadly gave up the ghost in the heatwave that has just recently ended here in London
FYI I think we have something like a 15 gallon tank with a Veiltail, a Fantail, a Black Moor and a Pearl Scale (who is the positively weird little pal we got to replace our Panda Moor as company for the little Fantail)
I have read details about Algae eating fish but I don't think the tank can comfortably take any more inhabitants and besides, considering how quickly this outbreak of algae has appeared and how much of it there is, I think I need to take some urgent action to clear it out and prevent it getting any worse
With my utmost thanks as ever for taking the touble to lend me the benefit of your experience and my most sincere gratitude for all the help I have had to date
Kindest regards
Bernard
