Hair algae problem and what pleco to get?
- Thread starter scholar
- Start date
it depends on what size tank you have. some plecos eat algae, some don't.
the best ways to get rid of algae are feed less (actually, feed an appropriate amount and not have any left over), do water changes weekly, and cut lighting down to 8 hours.
the best ways to get rid of algae are feed less (actually, feed an appropriate amount and not have any left over), do water changes weekly, and cut lighting down to 8 hours.
You could always add a few Caridina Japonica (Amano Shrimp). They are by far the best algae eaters out there. They sell them on http://www.liveaquaria.com/ which is a very reputable business. You can also probably find them at your LFS.
-Evan
-Evan
As far as I know, no pleco or oto will eat hair algae.
Is this a planted tank? Give us some more info and maybe we can pinpoint the source of the problem - correcting that should cause the algae to die back.
Unplanted: How much light (time on and wattage)? How much do you feed? Size of tank and stock in tank? Water change schedule?
Planted: Those questions above and: Are you using fertilizers? Any CO2?
Is this a planted tank? Give us some more info and maybe we can pinpoint the source of the problem - correcting that should cause the algae to die back.
Unplanted: How much light (time on and wattage)? How much do you feed? Size of tank and stock in tank? Water change schedule?
Planted: Those questions above and: Are you using fertilizers? Any CO2?
The tank is 55G. it gets morning sun light. It is heavily planted with Foxtail and java moss. The light is o n only one hour a day in evenings. There is no fertilizer or CO2. I do 30% water changea month. It has 2 neon tetra's and 10 baby platies, soon to get african ciclid fries.
The onlu thing that i can do is add some fish that would munch on hair-algae or do more eater change.
The onlu thing that i can do is add some fish that would munch on hair-algae or do more eater change.
You could start by doing 30% water changes every week!scholar said:I do 30% water changea month. It has 2 neon tetra's and 10 baby platies, soon to get african ciclid fries.
The onlu thing that i can do is add some fish that would munch on hair-algae or do more eater change.
you should also start adding a source of carbon, either Excel or CO2 gas. That will allow the plants to outcompete the algae for food. since it is planted, you should have decent lighting on 10-12 hours a day. the plants can't do much with no light, but the algae can still thrive with just the room lights on, which is why it is growing.