Does lots of algae mean your tank is cycled?

[CammieTime]

My friend said that algae eats nitrate, and so if you have a lot of algae, that means your tank is cycled.

However, one of the tanks I am cycling right now has high ammonia readings, but is starting to have a lot of algae. I'm baffled.

[Darrell Ward]

Having algae in your tank only means conditions are favorable for it to grow. The only way to know that your tank is cycled is to test it. Ammonia and nitrite readings go to zero, while nitrate readings climb. This tells you your tank is cycled. ;)

[Roxanne]

one of the tanks is starting to have a lot of algae. I'm baffled.

Hi
Is the tank near a window?

Roxanne

[CraigG]

Here are some nice articles about controlling algae so you may be able to figure out whats causing it. THere are so many factors with algae that its hard to say whats causing it.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/ArticleNav.cfm?d=158&category=584&c=3578


Also algae isn't always a bad thing if you don't have a alage eatting fish. Nice to have a bit of before you add on. Just don't want it going crazy.

[rfeiller]

the fry will graze on the algae