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	Fish in the Dark
kj fishy-finn Big Fish Posts: 385 Kudos: 200 Registered: 21-Jan-2004	I come home every 2-3 weeks to clean my 20 gallon aquarium that I leave at home since I am up at college currently. Everytime I come home though, the gravel and driftwood, which are the only things currently in the tank besides fish, are covered in a fine layer of either green algae or black algae. I was wondering if it would be harmful to the fish if I left the tank lights off for 3 weeks? Or at the least the lights go on for half an hour during the time they get fed. One window in the room stays open so there would be some natural light illuminating the room at the very least. kj fishy-finn <*)))>< 20 Gallon Album 5 Gallon Album
Posted 26-Sep-2009 04:59
keithgh Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 6371 Kudos: 6918 Votes: 1542 Registered: 26-Apr-2003	I personally think if you left the lights on a bit longer and controlled the Automatic feeding which I assume you have. It would also be beneficial if you could have some one do a particle water change for you. All you would require would be have a container of prepared water and they replaced 4-5lt each week. 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
Posted 26-Sep-2009 05:35
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002	Hi, Is this algae sort of slimy and forms a layer or carpet on the gravel and some of the plants? If so, it is actually not an algae but a bacteria and is "called" BGA or Blue Green Algae. Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Posted 26-Sep-2009 06:01
kj fishy-finn Big Fish Posts: 385 Kudos: 200 Registered: 21-Jan-2004	Edited 26-Sep-2009 15:18 Yeah, it doesnt get very long, but kind of coats everything with a fine carpet on the gravel, driftwood and the glass. There is some long hairlike green stuff on the glass as well though. Though it isnt very carpeted, but more like short tufts of hair growing on the gravel. And more black in color than anything. kj fishy-finn <*)))>< 20 Gallon Album 5 Gallon Album
Posted 26-Sep-2009 15:16
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002	Hi, Here is an article that will help you identify what type of algae you have in the tank. It offers reasons why algae takes over a tank, and options for removal: http://www.aquariumalgae.blogspot.com/ Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Posted 26-Sep-2009 21:22
Shinigami Ichthyophile Catfish/Oddball Fan Posts: 9962 Kudos: 2915 Registered: 22-Feb-2001	Do you not have a timer on your light? I'd recommend getting one of those. It helps a lot! If you do have one of those, I'd just reduce the time that the lights are on, especially if you don't have any live plants to worry about. -------------------------------------------- The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.
Posted 27-Sep-2009 02:48


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