2007-02-09 10:21:14 · 21 answers · asked by redheadfrheaven 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
ok... now some real answers ... geesh
If you mean algae growing on things or green water, the cure is much the same. The algae grows when it has enough nutrients. The primary nutrient for it is nitrate. This is a natural end product of the cycle that removes ammonia from your water. Ammonia that is there from fish waste and uneaten food. Regular water changes will control the majority of algae. Change 25-35% of the tank water each week with a gravel siphon (available at any pet store for just a few dollars) being sure to clean the gravel well as you go. Using a power filter and replacing the filter media each week will also help. If you still have algae problems, then reducing the amount you feed and reducing the amount of light the tank gets will further help the problem. The tank lights should only be on for about 10-12 hours per day, longer will encourage algae growth. If the algae is growing on things in the tank and resists these efforts you may want to add an algae eating fish to the tank, but with proper maintenance that shouldn't be necessary.
Best of luck with it
MM
2007-02-09 10:54:54 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Regular tank maintenence will keep algae in check. weekly partial water changes,25-40% to keep nitrates down (nitrates are algae food) a few live plants (if you have full spectrum lighting) will compete for nutrients keeping algae to a minimum. Algae grows in tanks, your best bet is to just wipe down the sides and decorations each time you change the water, make sure you have a good flow on your filter by keeping the impeller(motor) clean. Put the lights on a timer for 8-10 hours a day, so that you dont forget to turn it off. If the problem is really bad you could keep the lights off all the time & even cover your tank with a towel or blanket to block out the light.
Don't get an algae eater fish, most grow too large for the average tank, and are not very efficient, plus they are poop machines... which contributes to the problem. A snail like an an apple snail, or a ramshorn snail will do a good job on algae, but you will still have to wipe down the tank at least once a month.
2007-02-09 12:12:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hm... well, goldfish tend to be very messy fish and will dirty up your tank in an instant. That could be why your tank is getting cloudy first. Regarding the green water it does sound like algae, even though it is not on the side of the tank. Acrylic tanks grow algae more because they scratch easier (making a nice home for the algae to grow). I got a glass tank and don't have near as much trouble. You could try an algae killing liquid but make sure you have no invertebraes, I believe it can hurt them. The most important thing is... keep your tank out of direct sunlight! That will cause excessive algae growth. Hope this helps!
2016-05-24 18:08:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, enough with the violent attitudes/answers.
Keep the tank WELL filtered, keep the light on at a minimum (6-8 hours with live plants, no live plants; only when viewing), and keep a algae eater (pleco, Chinese, etc.). Plus weekly water changes (10-20%).
2007-02-09 11:14:52 · answer #4 · answered by Sinister 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the only real way to eliminate algae is to control the light, if the tank is near a window - move it, keep the light off during the day when you are away and at night when you go to bed
2007-02-09 20:20:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We had the same problem. Get the small ones because they move around the tank and eat the algae. (its so adorable when they leave tire tracks!) Also to help the algae fish get the red stuff kind of like the stuff to get rid of ick(ick is a disease that leaves little white dots all over the fish eventually killing the fish by getting in the nose thingy) and it will say algae b gon or something like that
2007-02-09 10:30:09 · answer #6 · answered by Nami 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋
First, keep it away from windows and any bright natural light. Second, buy some algae-killing chemicals but watch out.. this stuff can be highly toxic. Lastly, get some algae-eaters for your tank.
Good luck!
2007-02-09 10:24:22 · answer #7 · answered by leaner 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Here's a link with two articles about algae control: http://freshwater-aquarium-fish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=category§ionid=6&id=24&Itemid=46
You can read these to help you figure out the cause and best remedy for your situation.
2007-02-09 12:09:28 · answer #8 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
keep it away form natural sunlight, use a filter, clean the alge off the sides of the tank with a clean sponge or an alge cleaner, alge eaters are poop makers, don't buy them as an applince.
2007-02-09 10:27:51 · answer #9 · answered by ****** * 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You change the water when it starts to turn green.
2007-02-09 10:24:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋