Some Questions About Algae

[jdubsl2]

Hello,

I have a 30G freshwater tank. Currently, it is home to 1 Gold Gourami, 1 Blue Gourami and 2 Rosy Barbs. Tomorrow evening, all of the fish will be picked up and taken to a new home as I've decided to try some other fish. However, I'm having some problems with algae growth in the tank.

In all honesty, I don't do much to maintain the aquarium. The water evaporates rather quickly. I top it off regularly with tap water plus water conditioner. The fish have lived for 3 years. The Gold Gourami is extremely territorial and constantly harasses the Blue Gourami. The Barbs are very active, healthy looking, have good appetites, and are not anywhere close to 'people shy.'

A few weeks ago, the tank started to devlop brown algae over all of the glass surfaces, plastic plants, and rocks. I completely tore down the tank because it looked so terrible. I washed everything off with hot water. I did not reinstall the gravel, save for a few handfuls for aesthetic purposes.

Now, just a few weeks after the teardown, the algae is back. I've noticed the same brown algae on the bottom of the tank, a spot or two on the rear glass... and now a thick, grassy looking algae on the piece of driftwood.

I bought a water test kit and tested for the usual pollutants.

Ammonia: 0ppm​

Nitrate: 0ppm​

Nitrite: 0ppm​

pH: 8.0​

I assumed the pH was high. However, I tested the tap and it also tests at 8.0. I don't think there is anything I can do about it. I also know, without testing, the water is high in mineral content.

Anyway, I've attached some photos of the algae that is in the tank and on the driftwood. I was wondering if someone could tell me what this stuff is and what (if anything) I should do about it.

As previously mentioned, I will most likely be tearing down the aquarium again in the near future. I want to start out with some new fish, and also give a crack at live plants. I will also be moving in the next three months or so. So, I guess the algae problem is not that big of a concern, but I would really like to know what it is, what's causing it (I understand some algae growth is normal), and what I should do about it.

Thanks

 

[OrionGirl]

How old are the test kits?

Brown algae is pretty common with new setups--and since you rinsed everything with hotwater, that's pretty much what you have. The most likely problem is that topping off for water evaporation does NOTHING to remove dissolved wastes and minerals, resulting in water conditions that are not very stable, or healthy. This means algae problems are pretty likely. Water changes are a must, especially for unplanted setups.

 

[FisheyLisa]

Hello,



In all honesty, I don't do much to maintain the aquarium.

I think you've answered you're own question.
http://www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=9

That link tells you all you wanted to know about algae with pictures.

You've un-cycled your tank by cleaning things and removing the gravel, so you'd be best to start over, and do regular water changes and keep you tank clean!!!

 

[indiginess]

brown algae is usually outcompeted (replaced) by green algae as a tank matures

and for general information, brown algae is actually diatomatious, that is composed of diatoms, microscopic flagellated organisms.

i would be concerned about your willingness to tear apart the whole thing at a drop of a hat. the thing is, you don't throw your dog away if you get bored with it, or move, do you? ok that may have been overly critical, but you get the point. stability is very important, as you know.

 

[jdubsl2]

The test kit was purchased 30 minutes before doing the tests on the water. I have a Penguin Bio-Wheel filter system. The bacteria on the filter media is well established, seeing as it has been in the tank for over a year. Thus, the 0ppm Ammonia/Nitrite/Nitrate levels. It's been up and running since I cleaned it for a few weeks now, so I don't think I 'uncycled' the tank. I also did not change the mechanical filter before/after cleaning the tank.

I'm far from willing to tear down the aquarium. I hate doing it, and know it is not a necessity. It was only done once, and that was because the tank was absolutely filthy. Also, I moved it to a place in my apartment that gets less sunlight in the process. This next time will be due to a move which I was not expecting, so I guess I could've skipped it the last time...

When it's setup again, I'm going to take a bit more time planning it out and doing the water changes, etc. I think my lack of interest is because the fish are so boring and the tank looks so bare. So, a fresh start should make things more interesting.

Also, I noticed it says the brown algae may form due to lack of light. That sounds very weird, but it's not the first time I've read that. There is an older (only) 20W bulb in there... So, with that information, as well as my desire to learn about getting into live plants, I may start researching higher wattage lighting.