I have an established 50-gallon aquarium. Ammonia or nitrite levels have never been present, and nitrates are generally between 1-5 ppm. In addition to the presence of nitrates and moderate light, my tap water also has high concentration of phosphorus, resulting in green water formation within a day of water changes.
Is there any real solution to this, besides the stop-gap measures of light deprivation or the drastic adoption of R/O filtration? Are micron cartridges or diatom filters any good, or simply quick fixes? Thanks so much!
2006-06-14 14:07:43 · 15 answers · asked by shannontakita 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Algae eaters do not eat free-floating algae. They are not filter feeders and can only tackle limited types of algae.
2006-06-14 14:18:47 · update #1
The tank has 1 fluorescent tube, lit for 6 hours a day. There it no sunlight in the room, at any given time. My predominant concern is the amendment of phosphorous by my water municipality. Since this is done in high amounts to prevent pipe corrosion, the established algae readily capitalize on the supply every time I do a water change.
Another concern is the use of R/O filters and UV sterilizers, since R/O removes all trace elements and sterilizers oxidize nutrients, leaving them unusable. I was hoping there might be a simple, less costly solution for long-term control.
2006-06-14 15:33:01 · update #2
The two chokepoints for algae control are nutrients and lighting. There are two ways to reduce nutrients. The passive way is to reduce feedings to every other day, or so. The active method is to heavily plant your tank. Since you're NO3 levels are pretty low to begin with, though, I'd say your only option, aside from using deionized or reverse-osmosis water would be a complete light blackout for 3-4 days to knock the algae back, then sizable reduction in your lighting cycle after that. Hope this helps, I had the same problem with my 55gal fw tank.
2006-06-14 14:28:10 · answer #1 · answered by automaticmax 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Oh goodness, it's funny how people think an algea eater can clean green water.
Okay. What kind of lighting is in your tank? There are different types, some that are not that bright.
You might want to look into getting a different light that has a softer light. I know that they sell some in terms of brightness.
Another choice would be leaving the tank light off, but keeping the room's light on. This way the fish still have moderate light - but perhaps not enough to promote the algea to grow so fast.
Also as you stated, since your water is so high in phosphorus - it's not fun, especially for 50 gallons - you might want to consider purchasing either bottled water or water from a fish store.
It may be a hassle, but it may help to keep the cleanings monthly.
And if it does help, all you really would need to buy would be around 13 gallons of water monthly, since you really should only be doing 25% water changes.
2006-06-14 21:51:46 · answer #2 · answered by Miss. Kitty 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like the water conditions are perfect and you are doing everything right. That said the only way to rid your tank of the pesky free floating algae that turns the water green would be to install a small uv clarifier. The smaller ones aren't too expensive and will solve the problem in only a day or two with no water change.
2006-06-14 15:00:49 · answer #3 · answered by tw 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could try an algae eater, but chances are they won't do much for too much algae.
If your tank if near any windows, and recieves direct sunlight, the water will turn green due to algae.
You can try products that get rid of/reduce phosphorus, never really tried those.
Also do 10% water changes daily, and gravel vacs weekly.
For more info try Aquarium Advice, they could help out a lot more
2006-06-14 14:37:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
a placuastamus(if thats how you spell it) That is a type of fish which eats algae. Algae is what makes the water green, but if it,s not Algae, and its chemicals in the water You need to consult a pet shop about it. They will test the water for you and tell you what you need to do
2006-06-14 14:20:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
'drmushroomabc' is right it's because of sunlight why your tank water is green, what i think you should do is put the tank inside for about a 3days or so away from sunlight and see what happens you don't need to change the water because algae is always present, it just doesn't show it self with the absence of sunlight. i hope i helped.
2006-06-14 15:18:40 · answer #6 · answered by Quality_boy18 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
OK, i have no idea what all those technical terms mean, but i was recomended to buy an "algea eater" its a type of fish thing that sticks to the side of your fishtank and eats algea (hints the name) anyway you can buy them at a pet store and they are really cheap, it worked for me. Hopefully this is what you were talking about, if not sorry.
2006-06-14 14:12:11 · answer #7 · answered by jimhm3 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
change the water, my guy has 5 tanks over 100 gallons set up, once a month he sets up the water changer, or just takes water out and replaces it with gallons of distilled water from the store.
2006-06-15 12:12:00 · answer #8 · answered by bonny b 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
are you over feeding?The Pleco(algae eater)is good to maintain the tank not fix it.I had the guy at the fish store tel me the same thing about the r/o.What do you have in the tank and what exactly are you feeding them?Feel free to im me
2006-06-14 14:16:04 · answer #9 · answered by megasaurus771 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try getting an algae eater. Just don't get the one that keeps growing and growing to sooner or later have to get rid of. They will get as big as your tank.
2006-06-14 14:11:22 · answer #10 · answered by dolphin19731 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋