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  L# Fish in the Dark
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kj fishy-finn
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female usa
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 <*)))><
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Post InfoPosted 26-Sep-2009 04:59Profile PM Edit Report 
keithgh
 
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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

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Post InfoPosted 26-Sep-2009 05:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
FRANK
 
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male usa us-colorado
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 <<<--
Post InfoPosted 26-Sep-2009 06:01Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
kj fishy-finn
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EditedEdited 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 <*)))><
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Post InfoPosted 26-Sep-2009 15:16Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
FRANK
 
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male usa us-colorado
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 <<<--
Post InfoPosted 26-Sep-2009 21:22Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Shinigami
 
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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.

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Post InfoPosted 27-Sep-2009 02:48Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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