blue green algae...help!!!

[kt89]

i'm having some trouble handling my 130 gallons planted tank that is only two months old.

The PROBLEM: Blue Green Algae, growing like a carpet on my gravel, driftwood leafs....practically everywhere.

I tried changing water merely bi-daily basis, but as you're aware, changing a partial volume from 130 gallons is not an easy task and most probably i'll be expecting my utilities bills will be on the high side for this month....

Is there any easier way of clearing the algae, maybe some chemical solutions or which so ever. I tried reading of the web but it seems to be more confusing due to different opinions and so on...

Please help....

 

[themadblimper]

Do you use activated carbon or purigen for filtration? Those two (especially the latter) will do wonders for any fishtank. (Purigen is the best though) They will remove the nutrients that the algae is using and effectively starve the algae. (Purigen lasts for 6 months and can be re-used, carbon lasts for a month and cant be reused.)

 

[Canuck]

What are your tank parameters. I've had problems with blue green algae when nitrate levels have fallen to low in my tank. In the short term (read quick fix), you can dose maracin at half the recommended dosage to kill cyanobacteria. Unluckily, it will grow back if the tank conditions do not change. If you search the forum there are a number of descriptions of the blackout method. This involves increasing nutrient levels to the proper levels, blacking out your tank for 3 days (completely covered), a major water change and vacuuming, then redosing tank to proper planted tank levels again. If you have CO2 it should be turned off during the black out of course.

HTH

 

[kt89]

i tried using carbon for two weeks, doesn't really solve the problem. I shall look into both carbon and purigen.

My tank;
48" x 24" x 30"
Light: Two MH
EHEIM Pro II 2028
UV Light
Canister CO2

Fishes;
150 cardinal tetras

I thought of the blackout methods, but worrying that it would harm the fishes of the plants, will it???

 

[imhandy2]

Assuming this is a planted tank right. Carbon in the filter would remove the carbon in your water column that is needed for your plants.
What are your water parameters; NO3, PO4, PH, CO2.
What are your wpg and light duration, plant mass.

 

[knashash]

I highly reccomend the following steps to clear your blue-green algae issue.

1. Do a thourough cleaning and water change of the tank getting rid of as much of the blue-green algae as you can manually. Clean the filters as well.

2. Do a 3 day blackout. Shut off any C02 and completley cover the tank. Dont feed the fish during this time.

3. After the 3 day black out do another cleaning and water change. After which, monitor your Nitrate and Phosphate levels and try to keep the 10:1 ratio going.

Good Luck