Algae

[merk]

I'm having serious algae problems in my discus tank. It appears to be two types of algae, One is a brown slime type algae and the other is a dark green spot type algae which is very difficult to remove from the glass. I have a 60 gallon tank with 6 discus (one adult and 5 one year olds. I've been treating with tetra algae treatment but can't seem to get rid of it. I'd appreciate some suggestions on how to eliminate it permanently... Water parameters are PH 6.3, ammonia 0, nitrates approximately 10, temp about 84.5.

[Ryan Smith]

The brown stuff is actually diatoms. Bristlenose plecos seem to love it. They keep my tank spotless.

Is the tank fairly new? Usually the brown diatoms are common in new setups, but they usually disappear over time.

Ryan

[merk]

not a new tank. It's been set up for almost two years.

[Apistomaster]

The algae control chemicals just don't work.

The hard green spot algae must be physically scraped or wiped off. There is no other way except complete darkness to control it.

The soft algae is likely something a Bushy Nose Pleco will clean up.
I strongly recommend you get a Bushy Nose like Ryan suggested.

Learn to accept a little algae. If the tank is healthy it will always have algae.

[susantroy1]

In the past, I've had to figure out a better C02 delivery setup, in the interm I developed BBA. I tried Double dosing Excell for 4 days (most recommend a 10 day double dosing regiem But 4 days did it for me). Most folks that have tried it swear by it. I have to admit I got fantastic results.... I would not say its a magic bullet but it'll kick whatever algae you got right down to nothing... Always recommend finding root causes for a flare up though. something has changed.

Good luck, Troy

[merk]

the algae is now growing on my sponge filters. I have two in the tank and am considering changing them one at a time to make sure I maintain a "cycled tank". I've taken a picture of it but can't post to the site because the file is too large. I'd certainly appreciate some suggestions. Thanks!

[Apistomaster]

Definitely clean one sponge filter at a time and let the other to continue running for several more days. Unless you bleach or use hot water cleaning the sponge filter will not completely destroy the established bacteria. I always run two per tank and alternate cleaning of each. Your system won't miss a beat if you do this.

[tdr1919]

I bought a "clown pleco" these little guys do not get much bigger than 2.5" and he keeps my 72 bow virtually spotless, all the ornaments are spot clean, Together with a couple Panda Corys the
tank is in top shape.

Tom

[Blackwater Aquaria]

I'm having serious algae problems in my discus tank. It appears to be two types of algae, One is a brown slime type algae and the other is a dark green spot type algae which is very difficult to remove from the glass. I have a 60 gallon tank with 6 discus (one adult and 5 one year olds. I've been treating with tetra algae treatment but can't seem to get rid of it. I'd appreciate some suggestions on how to eliminate it permanently... Water parameters are PH 6.3, ammonia 0, nitrates approximately 10, temp about 84.5.

I have had problems with both. Cut down on your liteing you may also have high levels of phospate. You did not say if the tank is planted or BB. Also only use bulbs that simulate sun shine most of the spetrum can also cause alge problems. Try to handle these problems with out chemicals. Good Luck Mike

[merk]

I'm struggling with this algae problem. I did buy a new sponge filter and replaced one as I planned but now unfortunately, the other one can't keep up and my ammonia has risen. It's about 0.25 so not critical at this stage but hoping it doesn't get worse. The algae problem continues. In addition to the green algae all over the sponge, the water smells terribly. I've been doing alot of WC every day but it doesn't seem to help. At this point I'm baffled. Any suggestions?

[Diamond Discus]

I had the same thing and got a UV sterilizer, installed it Saturday, cleand the tank thouroghly then added some powerheads overnight so the water stayed churned up and was sure to all go through the sterilizer. Usually by 4 days I have to scrub the tank again, but I see no algae growth after 3. My water is crystal clear too. I got a coralife 18 watt for my 110 gallon tank and pur it on my Rena XP3 canister filter. So far so good. ;)
Sue

[mikel]

My tank is also relatively new...only about 1.5 months. I have these brown colored algea growing on the broad leaves of my amazon plants that I have planted in my terra cotta pots placed in the center of this barebottom tank. Are these algea ok to have? They dont grow anywhere else but on the leaves of my amazons. I was using seachem's neutral regulator to keep my ph at 7. Since a few days ago, I stopped using it, at the suggestion of the experts on this board. So could the phosphate from the Neutral regulator been feeding the algea? Now that I am not using it, do you think the brown algea will eventually go away? My fish are all very happy, and the water readings are great. Thanks mike

[bgbdwlf2500]

brown algae has plagued my tank as well. easy to scrub off but very unsightly. got phosphates down but it still hangs around. not sure what causes it, just brush it off when i need to.

[Diamond Discus]

Algae is a sign of a healthy tank but I sure don't like the look of it. I still have no algae, so the UV sterilizer really does work. It was around 90 dollars at big al's online. And worth every penny!

Sue

[tdr1919]

All I know is that my clown pleco and a small chinese algae eater have my tank under control, I would have to scrape the algae off the front glass to see the fish weekly, all my ornaments were covered with all different strains of algae. My tank is spotless, no chemicals. I have a breeder tank that is covered with the brown algae, (Diatom) this stuff is like grease to clean, and the Pleco did not like it either.

Tom

[dvarnay]

I think the UV sterilizer is the way to go if you don't like the sight of algae in you tank. I don't have the problem in my house tanks, but use a UV sterilizer in my outdoor pond to great affect (and my pond is in full sun). If you can afford it go for the sterilizer.

[BSW]

I've always been told GSA (green Spot) is from LOW phosphates and possibly low Co2.
And I would deffinatly reccomend the UV sterilizer too.
B

[Lotus]

What is a UV sterilizer? I never heard of it before and does it get rid of blue green algae too? Can someone recommend a good one.
Thanks in advance.

[Diamond Discus]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?acatid=420&aid=1168

I got mine at Big Al's online, it was cheaper.
My tank is 110 gallons and I chose the 18 watt coralife turbo twist. Installation was a breeze on my canister filter.
Sue