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Hello

I've just got a few questions about Algae and what you can do to keep it under control. I've noticed on both my tanks are cultivating a little bit more algae than usual. I have a lot of natural light in my house and it's getting brighter as we head in to spring. I try to close the blinds on week days to minimise the light as much as possible while I'm at work.

I was getting some long stringy hair algae in my 24g and I think I've managed to slow that down mainly by manually cutting it out. I have a little dark fluffy stuff on some of the plants which I think the BNs are finding tasty. In my 10g I'm getting some short white'ish hairy algae - almost web like.

So I guess my question would what are the initial steps to take to combat algae? You hear some many things I wouldn't mind some clarification. Should I keep the lights off for a few days? I've tried removing some of the plants and cleaning off the algae in old tank water but that's not really helping. And I've tried cutting off the worst offenders.

BTW - I have the light on for approx 7-8 hours a day in both tanks. I think I'm roughly 1.5WPG if that helps

Any top tips gratefully received.

Tanks

Last edited by fishymama at 22-Sep-2005 01:50

I did a 5 day blackout and no feeding the fish during that time. (reduction of light and nutrients) pretty much knocked out my BBA algae. But for the cause, I was missing a couple nutrients which stalled plant growth, which limited their ability to take up other nutrients.

This will hopefully help.
[link=http://www.fishprofiles.net/faq/algae.asp]http://www.fishprofiles.net/faq/algae.asp" style="COLOR: #FFFFFF[/link]

Plant MORE plants to take up the excess nutrients, and put a background around back and sides of the tank. (if one is not there) to reduce excess incoming light.
Good luck !

The Amazon Nut...

Need a bit more info. How many and what type of plants, any ferts added , Co2 ? Water parameters would be nice.

One things for sure - lights aren't on long enough to get the plants growing well. 10-12 hours would be better.

The best way to control algae is to get the plants growing well. Focus on them not the algae. Bit more info and we can help get the plants going.

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Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

Thanks Bensaf & Dafishman

I will test over the weekend and post a reply on Monday if not before. I might try lights off for a bit too.

Thanks!

Last edited by fishymama at 22-Sep-2005 18:36