FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Hi there
Its been a few weeks since I've posted the status of my tank, as I have been just letting the cycling process do its thing.. well I have noticed over the past few days that the algae is starting to grow in my tank ( I have yet to get an otto for an algae eater). What should I do? My 10G tank is near a window but the curtains and blinds are always closed.. would it be oky to put a sheet over it to keep the light from the tank? I would totally move it if I could, but there is no where else in my room where I could move the tank..I have bought some algae stuff to put in it once every 3 days until its controlled..
Should I consider buying a few ottos even though my tank isn't quite fully cycled? Last time I checked, my nitrites and ammonia were high, and ph was normal (6.5-7) Nitrates are at about 5-10.
Thanks everyone!

Hi there,

First, what colour is your algae?
For a new tank, some algae is normal for the fisrt stages of cycling and establishment.
How many weeks have you set up the tank? And what light and any plants you have?

As for ottos, since you ammonia and nitrite levels are high, do not buy any ottos. They are sensitive little creature and will more than likely be killed by nitrite or ammoina.

When you say your pH is normal, 6.5 - 7 is not normal. a pH of 6.5 is 10^0.5 times more acidic then a pH of 7.

It usually takes a few weeks for a tank to establish its self depending on initial setup. It is adviced that you leave out a period for the tank to establish without anyfish or only extremely tollerant fish.

Personally, I find the best way to start a fishtank instead of using commercially made cycling product is add plants. Plant the tank first before add anyfish. It doesn't help establish the bacteria colony quicker, but instead it uses up ammonia, nitrite and nitrate so it becomes safe to introduce fish. Also, fast growing plants will out compete algae from nutrients and serves as algae control.

Keep us posted and good luck with your new tank.

Regards,
Jim

Not meaning to be harsh and rude the best way to remove any algae is dont get it in the first place. I still get it after 25+ of fish keeping. There are many types of algae (look at algae site) and many more causes it is just a matter of control. Here is the algae site that migh help you.
Algae


Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos


Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

Hi reneeandpauly

how is your tank going now? i know you have been cycling it for quite a while and your parameters are still out.

As for algae.. direct light doesnt help but theres no need to panic if you see some algae in the tank. If its really bothering you you can clean it off the glass with a magnetic cleaner. i wouldnt add more chemicals to the tank when it isnt totally necessary. when the tank is cycled you could buy an algae eating fish to clean it up!

---

Truth doesn't always win friends but it influences them

Hi,
This is my reply to a somewhat similiar question in another
part of FP, in a different forum:

Quote:
Hi,
While this is a question many have, you might want to have
it moved to "Water Quality" as it is a water quality
problem.

Here is one of many sites that discuss the various types
of algae, why it occurs, and how to eliminate it:

http://www.otocinclus.com/articles/algae.html

and another:

http://www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=9

For "us" to answer your question, we would need specifics
on the tank.
How big is it?
What kind of lighting (incandescent/flourscent/compact
flourscent, etc)?
What is the Kelven rating for the bulbs, if flourscent?
How long are the bulb(s) turned on in a 24 hr period?
How many fish, and what kind?
What kind/size filter is on the tank?
How often do you do aquarium maintenance including water
changes (how much) and vacuuming the gravel?
What are the water chemistries (pH, GH, KH, Nitrate)?

Algae is an opportunistic critter. It fills a void to
take advantage of excess or defficiencies of nutrients
in a tank. The key is figuring out what niche that
specific type of algae is taking advantage of, and
eliminating it.
End Quote

I hope this helps... Specific information will help "us"
offer specific advice instead of generalities.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--