Why do i never have green algae?

[sivic]

In both of my tanks i always fine myself having brown algae but never any green. I read somewhere to just leave my lights on more so the green algae will out produce the brown or something, but this method is not working. I would actually enjoy having alittle bit of green algae.

Does anybody know why im never getting any green algae? Does that mean my lights arent very powerful cause i can assure you they are terrible low wattage lights.

 

[OrionGirl]

It's more likely a combination of factors--low food availability, constant grazing, limited light.

 

[sivic]

Anything i could do to promote growth?

 

[OrionGirl]

Are you trying to feed a specific animal? Honestly, the best way to offer more algae to to get a large jar, fill it with water from a water change, put in a rock or chunk of wood, and set it in a windowsill, keep it topped off with dechlorinated water. When it gets covered, you can add another item to cover, and rotate these through the tank as they are cleaned off. This allows the fish to be fed without the risk of your tank turning green.

 

[flyfly]

that is the most brilliant thing I've heard in a while, oriongirl!

 

[Watcher74]

I agree. Great idea Orion! I must do this :duh:

 

[sivic]

Awesome. i bought a glass jar and a piece of wood today to try this out. How long do you expect it should take for the algae to form on the piece of wood?

 

[OrionGirl]

Depends--I used to cover a double-fist sized rock in 2-3 days, but I had the algae water pretty well established (ferts, add ammonia, etc). I'd expect you to start seeing a film of green in a week, though. That's why it's good to have a few pieces to use. And make sure to turn the jar every now and then, to spread the algae all over instead of just one side.