How can I control algae in my PLANTED fishtank?

Question

I have a 12 gal Eclipse system tank, planted with a ton of live java ferns. I have it decorated with wood and natural colored gravel mixed with laterite.
For fish, I have one honey gourami, 4 glow-lite tetras and 3 ottos. The ottos seem to be keeping the plant leaves clean, but not the glass.
I have the flourescent lighting on in the tank for about 8hrs a day, and I have a lot of black hair algae and green algae on the glass. Thanks!

Ottos are algae eaters. I don't want a plecostamus because they will eat my live plants. The scraping ideas are good- but I was thinking of a less labor intensive way, if anyone has any ideas :-)

Answer 1

That's tough. I would suggest, however, getting some different types of plants. The more plants you have in your tank, the less likely it is for algae to grow. I know you said you have a lot of java fern, but that is notorious for being a very hardy plant, therefore not requiring many nutrients to survive. Now, where do you think these excess nutrients are going to? The algae. Starve the algae, and it will disappear.

The type of light might also be an issue. Florescent light tends not to have a very broad spectrum. A type of bulb specifically designed for planted tanks will help.

Last thing to suggest, get a fish that likes that type of algae. Chinese Algae eaters are great for cleaning up the black hair algae, as are platies and mollies. Plecos will not eat your live plants, but they do get very large, so may not be a good option for your tank.

Good luck with your tank!

Answer 2

I have a 55 gal with java ferns, so...

Ottos are pretty good for keeping the glass clean. Sometimes they sell a sort of fish that's about an inch long, called a "Siamese algae eater" or a "Butterfly algae eater" or a "Siamese pleco." It's not a real pleco, and doesn't get that big. It looks more like a flat pebble with a tail, and it has little spots all over it. These guys eat the algae off the glass, and never touch the plants.

Malay trumpet snails do help a little, but they can get out of hand, and the only good way to keep them in check is to get a loach. Ramshorn snails (American ones, with the red skin) are a little better, but they really go all out, and they can carry diseases. If you crush a few of them, the gouramis and the tetras will eventually start eating the babies.

An apple snail might also work. I have some doubts about them with java ferns, but I'm pretty sure the real problem was the pleco, and they rarely live for more than a year anyway.

I've found that brighter lights also help. It may be time to change out the tubes. Different sources suggest 6 months to a year between each change out. If you're cheap like me, you can wrap the inside of the fixture with aluminum foil, but be careful not to get that too close to the contacts, and be sure to tape it down good.

Answer 3

you've countless concepts the following, and countless different plausible causes, algae will advance in extra in direct solar, your tank receives no mild, your superb. Scaling again your mild time is nice, to maintain away from algae develop attempt slicing again to about 8 hours an afternoon. typically algae won't be able to be prevented, it takes position in extra from an in-stability of foodstuff. Nitrates, phosphates etc. is this tank planted? or is yet another tank you've planted? If this tank is planted your heading in the right direction, flora compete with algae for foodstuff. extra flora, a lot less algae for the most section.... also i discussed foodstuff before, yet do no longer overlook about ammonia or nitrites, a spike of those may reason algae develop (as a rule hair algae although) yet in a cycled tank that is unlikely. recommendations: have you ever heard of the marimo moss ball? that is a kind of algae that grows interior the formed of a ball, this can out compete algae everywhere interior the tank for foodstuff this can shrink again if no longer get rid of algae everywhere in the tank.(do no longer confuse those with java moss balls, thoroughly diverse.) in case your tank is planted, including plant fertilizers will typically shrink again algae develop. except that, its scrubbing the tank for you. bypass down on your lfs(close by fish keep) and %. up some algae eliminating techniques and get to artwork! good success and cheers!

Answer 4

Keep it away from the sunlight. Change your bulb to a lower uvb bulb only use a 80% sunlight in the bulb. It will take care of your problem. I also suggest getting a gold algae eater they are gorgeous and they only get 5 or 6 inches long and will clean your tank up immaculate.

Answer 5

Have you tried an Algae Eater or Plecostamus fish? I am not sure what an Otto is =(

Answer 6

The green algae on the glass is best just dealt with by getting plastic pot scruber, and scrubbing it off. The hair algae is a favored food of a lot of live bearer. Try a male molly, platty or swordtail for that.

Answer 7

Your lucky if it is just the glass. Get the small magnetic scrubbers. You put one on the inside, one on the outside. You never have to get your hands wet. Be careful though an eclipse is acrylic, it scratches easily. You may have to use a cotton rag to rub it off. The filter will clear the particles out of the water.

Answer 8

Plecostomas. I have found they are the best algae eaters, they eat it off the glass, plants, gravel. They are commonly referred to as pleco's at most pet stores.

Answer 9

Maybe try getting an allege eater or you can buy stuff at the pet store that helps keep allege down.

Answer 10

buy a razor glass scraper and remove all new growth regularly. It will no damage your tank and will remove it so cleanly that it will inhibit the regrowth. They are available in some dollar stores and paint departments.